Oxidation and tribo-oxidation of an alloy steel H13 at elevated temperature

Abstract

The oxidation and tribo-oxidation of an alloy steel H13 under elevated-temperature atmospheric conditions were studied. The structure and morphology of the oxides and tribo-oxides of the steel were characterized using X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope. A loose oxide film wholly covered the surface of the steel after the steel was oxidized at 650 °C for 20 min. Fe2O3 as the main oxide was identified except for a small amount of Fe3O4. A compact oxide film formed on the worn surface of the steel during wear. The worn surface presented two regions: the delamination region and the the undelamination region, due to the delamination of tribo-oxide during wear. More Fe3O4 and less Fe2O3 were predominant tribo-oxides with a large amount of α-Fe appearing on the worn surface.