Effect of boron addition on three-body abrasive wear characteristics of high chromium based multi-component white cast iron

This study aims to systematically investigate the influence of boron (0–3.0 wt % B) on microstructure and abrasive wear characteristics of high chromium based multi-component white cast iron (Hi-Cr MWCI). As result, the microstructure is mainly composed of martensite matrix and carborides such as M7(C, B)3, M2(C, B), M23(C, B)6. At low load, B can increase the wear resistance of Hi-Cr MWCI owing to the higher volume fraction of M2(C, B). However, it reduces the wear resistance of material due to low the fracture toughness of primary M7C3 or M7(C, B)3 at high load. Therefore it can be concluded that B addition can improve the abrasive wear resistance of Hi-Cr MWCI at low load, but, the opposite tendency will occur at high load.