Abrasive wear characteristics of Fe-2C-5Cr-5Mo-5W-5Nb multi-component white cast iron

Recently, many researchers have studied on the variety of alloys and tempt to develop wear resistant materials. Multi-component white cast iron has been reported to exhibit good erosive wear and abrasive wear resistance. Niobium (Nb) is also one of the carbide-forming elements in the same manner as vanadium (V), but not much is known about the effect on the wear resistance by Nb addition into the cast irons. Therefore, multi-component white cast irons with about 2 mass% carbon (C) and about 5 mass% chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W) and V or Nb with 0, 5 mass% cobalt (Co) were prepared as the experimental materials in this study. As results, the amount of wear loss of the multi-component white cast irons containing Nb is less compared to that of the multi-component white cast irons containing V, showing good abrasive wear resistance. Especially, material 5Nb-5Co showed the best abrasive wear resistance. Area ratio of eutectic carbides and secondary carbides in any of the specimens were at the same level. However, eutectic MC carbide of multi-component cast iron containing Nb was larger as compared to that of multi-component cast iron containing V, showing higher resistance to the contact with the abrasive grains. Therefore, it was suggested that by adding Nb as an alternative to V, it's possible to develop a new wear resistant material. •Co is effective in improving abrasive wear property of multi-component white cast iron.•Abrasive wear mechanisms of experimental materials were elucidated.•NbC carbides with larger size showed higher resistance to abrasive grains.