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

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Tribology
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• White cast iron is a common material for wear-resistant applications.
• Microstructure significantly influences tribological properties.
• Directional solidification offers a method to control microstructure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the tribological behavior of directionally solidified white cast iron against equiaxed white cast iron.
• To evaluate wear rates and friction coefficients with various countermaterials.
• To assess the potential of directionally solidified white cast iron for high-temperature wear resistance.

Main Methods:

• Tribological tests using a pin-on-block rig under dry sliding conditions.
• Testing against copper, AlSi12CuNiMg alloy, AlSi12CuNiMg + SiC composite, and 1.3505 steel.
• Wear track analysis using profilometry to evaluate surface topography and roughness (Sa parameter).

Main Results:

• Directionally solidified white cast iron demonstrated improved friction coefficient stability and reduced wear compared to equiaxed structures.
• Favorable tribological interactions were observed with AlSi12CuNiMg + SiC composite and 1.3505 steel.
• Reduced surface roughness (lower Sa values) was measured for these specific tribological pairs.

Conclusions:

• Directionally solidified white cast iron exhibits superior tribological performance in specific pairings.
• The oriented microstructure is key to enhanced wear resistance and friction stability.
• This material shows promise for inserts in structural components requiring elevated temperature wear resistance.