Tribological Properties of Eutectic White Cast Iron with Directional and Non-Directional Microstructure

TL;DR

Directionally solidified white cast iron shows better wear resistance and friction stability compared to non-directional versions in specific material pairings.

Contribution

Demonstrates that directional microstructure in white cast iron improves tribological performance in certain combinations.

Findings

Directionally solidified white cast iron had improved friction coefficient stability.

Wear rates were reduced when paired with AlSi12CuNiMg + SiC composite and 1.3505 steel.

Lower surface roughness was observed in selected tribological combinations.

Abstract

Tribological tests were conducted on eutectic white cast iron subjected to directional solidification (resulting in a directionally oriented microstructure) and, for comparison, on white cast iron with an equiaxed (non-directional) structure. The tests were performed under dry sliding conditions on a pin-on-block rig using Cu, AlSi12CuNiMg alloy, AlSi12CuNiMg + SiC composite, and steel grade 1.3505. The friction coefficient and wear rates of these materials were systematically compared. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the wear tracks formed on the test specimens were carried out using profilometry. The results demonstrate that the directionally solidified white cast iron exhibits improved friction coefficient stability and reduced wear in the specific tribological pairs. The oriented directional structure demonstrated more favourable interactions when paired with AlSi12CuNiMg + SiC composite and 1.3505 steel. These tribological combinations exhibited reduced roughness values across selected cross-sectional analyses, resulting in correspondingly lower Sa parameter measurements. This finding suggests a promising new application for inserts made of directionally structured white cast iron in structural components requiring enhanced wear resistance at elevated temperatures.

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