Microstructure evolution and abrasive wear behavior of D2 steel

The effect of heat treatment on microstructure and abrasive wear resistance of AISI D2 steel has been investigated in the present work. The structural characterization of hardened and multiple tempered specimens was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Two body abrasive wear tests were carried out using silicon carbide abrasive with systematic and simultaneous variation of test parameters. The abrasive wear volume loss increased with increasing tempering temperature and increasing severity of test conditions, although the increase was not proportionate. The worn out surface, wear debris and subsurface damage were examined using SEM, EDS and XRD. The results of present work were rationalized with respect to microstructure and operating wear mechanisms as influenced by severity of wear test conditions.