Synergistic abrasive-corrosive wear of chromium containing steels

Abstract

Commercial and experimental steels containing various chromium concentrations have been assessedfor their resistance to the combined effects of abrasion and corrosion. The degree of work hardening and macro- and microtoughness of low carbon martensite alloys, dual phase alloys, and metastable austenitic alloys provide good abrasion resistance, while chromium contents > 8% are required. Abrasion and corrosion are synergistic since the kinetics of corrosion are influenced by abrasion. The effects of the frequency of abrasion and corrosion are different for steels of different chromium contents. Low chromium steels perform better under lowfrequency conditions, whereas steels with higher chromium contents resist wear better when there are frequent abrasive periods. © 1989 The Institute of Materials.