Effect of phosphide and matrix microstructures on the dry sliding wear of grey cast iron

The effect of a continuous phosphide network in matrices of pearlite, ferrite, martensite, and tempered martensite has been investigated on the dry wear of a grey iron, sliding at a speed of 1.5 m s⁻¹ with stresses of 0.5 and 2.0 MPa against cast iron. A running-in period was observed with a 0.2% P iron, whereas no running-in was observed with the 1.0% P irons. The presence of a continuous phosphide network reduced the wear rate of the pearlite iron by a factor of 0.25. In the weaker matrices (pearlite, ferrite, and tempered martensite) the phosphide network stiffened the matrix, fractured, and formed a particulate composite of phosphide in the deformed surface which resisted deformation. The wear rates and wear mechanisms of the irons are presented and discussed.