Experimental analysis of jet slurry erosion on martensitic stainless steel

Abstract

Due to their enhanced tribological properties that contribute to an increased useful life of components, martensitic stainless steels are an excellent option for industrial applications such as hydroelectric, petrochemical, civil construction and mineral processing plants. In the present investigation, the erosive wear of AISI 410 martensitic stainless steel is evaluated after thermal treatment by quenching and tempering by mass loss, under erosive attack at 30° and 90° incidence angles, using a self-made jet slurry erosion equipment controlling parameters such as speed, volume of fluid, temperature and concentration of erosive particles of erodent. The characterization of the eroded samples was carried out in terms of the microstructure (SEM) and microhardness as well as the particle size distribution (LG) and morphology of the erodent. It was possible to establish the relationship between the slurry erosive wear and the physical properties inherent of stainless steel for this particular experimental configuration, concluding that the steel presents better resistance to jet slurry erosion wear when compared to austenitic steel commonly used in the industry.