The role of microstructure in high stress abrasion of white cast irons

The abrasion wear resistance of white cast irons can be controlled primarily by adjusting the size, size distribution, and volume fraction of the carbide phase. The main physical property of white cast irons correlating with abrasion resistance is hardness. This study concentrates on the evaluation of hardened and stress relieved, normalized, self-hardened, and as-cast states of high chromium white cast irons in high stress abrasion. The correct size and orientation of the carbides were found to be crucial for the wear resistance of white cast irons in high stress abrasive conditions. The different annealing procedures affected the formation of the carbide structure and its distribution, as well as the microstructure of the matrix. The austenite-to-martensite ratio together with a beneficial carbide structure was found to have a strong effect on the abrasion wear resistance of WCI specimens.