Comprehending the correlation between microstructural features and wear performance in multiphase lightweight steels

This work investigates the wear behavior of three different Fe-Mn-Al-C steels using ball-on-disc reciprocating wear test and 3D optical surface profilometer. Further, the correlation between microstructural features and wear performance of these steels has been established. The experimental results indicate that the wear resistance of the studied steels is in the order: austenite and martensite (AM) > austenite and ferrite (AF) > ferrite and pearlite (FP) steels. In addition to higher hardness, the combined effects of finer width of martensite, larger proportion of high-angle grain boundaries, and higher dislocation density render excellent wear resistance in AM steel. Importantly, the formation of martensite phase during wear test significantly enhances the wear resistance of AM steel. In contrast, the absence of austenite phase reduces the wear resistance of FP steel.