On the Influence of Tribological Properties of AISI 4140 Annealed Steel against Ceramic Counterparts under Dry and Lubricated Conditions and Their Effect on Steel Microstructure

AISI 4140 steel is still one of the most distinguished steels employed in tribological applications because its low cost, great mechanical properties, and appropriate wear resistance. In this contribution, performance annealed against engineering ceramic was analyzed to promote parameters for application steel, especially systems that are subjected contact pressures between 490–1240 MPa. Dry lubricated pin-on-disk experiments were completed at different normal loads. The worn surfaces by profilometry, optical scanning electron microscopies, energy dispersive spectroscopy, microhardness examinations. dry conditions, a better friction response found on tested with ZrO2. Friction coefficient rate resulted reductions up 60% 99% compared those obtained Al2O3 Si3N4 counterparts. A strain-hardening phenomenon due process observed samples ZrO2 Si3N4, which showed grain refinement hardness increment surfaces. Therefore, exhibited responses. all counterparts wear, but highlighted. results demonstrate under conditions comparable same other surface treatments.