Abrasive Wear Resistance of Ferrous Microstructures with Similar Bulk Hardness Levels Evaluated by a Scratch-Tester Method

A high-strain scratch tester was employed to investigate the abrasive behavior of four different ferrous microstructures with similar bulk hardness levels. The microstructures revealed unique groove characteristics and significant deformation in their sub-surface layers. Bainite and pearlite displayed superior abrasive wear performance in comparison with martensite and tempered martensite microstructures. The characteristics of microstructure constituents were responsible for the distinct groove characteristics and material removal mechanisms. The effect of normal load was influential in the transition of the material removal mechanism from ploughing to cutting. The sub-surface layer of microstructures revealed significant deformation (i.e., nanostructure formation), which was largely determined by the initial microstructure characteristics. The occurrence of work-hardening phenomenon in the sub-surface layer demonstrated a positive impact during abrasion.