Friction and Wear Behavior of Nitrogen-Alloying Hardfacing Alloy

The nitrogen-alloying hardfacing alloy was prepared by substituting carbon atoms with nitrogen atoms and adding elements niobium and titanium. Its friction and wear properties under different loads (5, 10 and 15 N) were investigated. The results indicated the main wear mechanisms involved plastic deformation and material removal by micro-cutting and delamination. In addition, the depth and cross-sectional area of the wear scar on the worn surface were positively related to the load while the wear rate was negatively correlated with the load. The carbonitride particles with small size were not liable to detach and peel off from the matrix due to the strongly bond strength with the matrix, leading to low material remove because they are hard enough to bear the load. Moreover, large amount of fine-dispersed carbonitride particles effectively increased the hardness and strength of the matrix, refined the martensite matrix, and hence contributing to a better wear resistance. As a result, the wear of the matrix was reduced because of the restrained effect of the carbonitride particles to large-scale layered flaking by abrasives.