The influence of surface oxidation on the wear resistance of cast iron

This paper reports a study of the influence of surface oxidation on the wear resistance of ductile iron, grey iron and vermicular iron during dry sliding friction. The mechanisms of wear are also reported. This study shows that the effect of surface oxidation (formed under normal atmospheric conditions) on the wear rate depends on the complex functions of graphite morphology and matrix structure. Generally the presence of surface oxidation decreases the wear rate of grey iron but increases the wear rate of ductile iron and vermicular iron when the cast iron has high hardness. This trend is reversed for low hardness cast iron.