Formation of Tribo-Layer in the Presence of Fe₂O₃ Particles and Its Influence on Wear Performance of H13 and 45 Steel

Fe₂O₃ is an important component in tribo-oxide layers of steels in sliding at a high temperature or a high speed. In this paper, Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were added onto the sliding interface of H13 steel/GCr15 steel and 45 steel/GCr15 steel contacts to promote the rapid formation of tribo-oxide layer and avoid the deterioration of mechanical properties of materials due to high temperature. The effect of Fe₂O₃ particles at tribo-interface on wear performance of H13 and 45 steel was investigated, the forming mechanism of tribo-oxide layer was analyzed and the role of substrate hardness was also investigated. The results show that the wear resistance of 45 steel was significantly lower than that of H13 steel with no Fe₂O₃ particles. The wear rate of GCr15 steel against H13 steel was higher than that of GCr15 against 45 steel. Coalescence of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles gave birth to tribo-oxide layer on the worn surfaces of H13 and GCr15 steel, resulting in an obvious decrease of wear rate. The wear rate of 45 steel under a high load was higher than that under a low load, which was due to fracture of the tribo-oxide layers.