AFS/FEF Student Technology ContestInfluence of Microstructure on the Sliding Wear Resistance of Gray Iron

In this study, sliding wear behavior of gray iron samples in as-cast, annealing, austempering and normalizing conditions were examined. A wear test was performed in a pin on a disk tribometer. The friction coefficient was recorded as a function of sliding distance, and the weight loss of the specimens were quantified with an accuracy of 0.001 mg. The worn surface of the samples was examined by SEM. The results showed that the best wear resistance was observed in samples with acicular matrix microstructures, and the presence of delamination mechanisms produce the poorest wear resistance.