Wear behavior of Fe-Cr-B alloys under dry sliding condition

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to prepare new Fe-Cr-B alloys which have better wear resistance and investigate the wear mechanisms of these alloys tribotesting against SiC ceramic balls under dry sliding process. Design/methodology/approach – Fe-Cr matrix alloys were fabricated using powder metallurgy route. The tribological behaviors of Fe-Cr alloys tribotesting against SiC ceramic balls using a ball-on-disc tribotester were studied at different testing conditions. Meanwhile, microstructure, phases and morphology of worn surfaces were investigated. Findings – The element boron improved mechanical properties and tribological behavior of alloys. The friction coefficients of Fe-Cr matrix alloys did not show obvious difference. The specific wear rates of alloys decreased and then increased because of the brittleness of alloys with the increase of boron content. Fe-21 weight per cent Cr-7 weight per cent B alloy showed the best tribological properties in dry sliding. The wear mechanism of Fe-Cr alloy was plastic deformation and abrasive wear. However, the Fe-Cr-B alloys showed fatigue spalling characteristics. Originality/value – This paper reported a new, cheap and wear-resistant Fe matrix material to prepare mechanical parts in food and mining industrial fields.