Investigating the effects of microstructure on the wear mechanisms in lamellar cast irons via microscratch tests

This work investigates the effects of microstructure on the wear mechanisms in lamellar cast irons using a microscratch test. Various applied loads and indenter geometries were utilised. The results indicate that the surface damage depends on the indenter geometry, the penetration depth, the orientation and the depth of the graphite flakes. Increasing the applied load and the attack angle increases the friction coefficient, the tangential force and its fluctuation. Beyond a certain load, the friction coefficient remains nearly constant. The proposed schemes explain the role played by both the matrix and graphite in the wear process. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.