The Effect of Carbides Morphology on Tribological Behaviour of Ni-Hard 4 Cast Irons

In this research the effect of volume and morphology of eutectic carbides on tribological behaviour of Ni-Hard 4 cast irons have been investigated. Therefore, as a result of the fact that the carbon content effects the carbides morphology of Ni-hard cast irons, the chemical compositions of five different specimens were kept constant with the exception of the carbon content, which was varied from 2.3 to 3.2%. The general composition of these alloys was selected according to Group D Class I of ASTM A532 standard. The microstructure and carbides morphology of homogenized specimens were examined by microhardness testings and metallographic examinations. Metallographic techniques include optical and scanning electron microscopy have been also used to characterize the predominant wear mechanism. The Ni-hard 4 cast iron surfaces worn by a process of plastic deformation and fracture to produce wear debris. SEM examination of worn surface topography and wear debris shows the tendency to plastic deformation and wear decreased as the carbon content of the specimen increased.