The effect of test parameters on the abrasion resistance of Wc/Co hardmetals

WC/Co hardmetals are powder metallurgy products which are used in many abrasion applications. The abrasion resistance of a range of hardmetals has been examined in a modified ASTM G65 tests system. The aim of the work was to examine the effects of changing the conditions of the test on the results that were obtained. The parameters that were examined were the test load, the relative speed of the wheel and sample, the counterface material, and environment. Thus tests were carried out with both the normal rubber rimmed wheel and a steel wheel, and tests were carried out with a wet environment as well as a dry environment. All of the tests were performed using silica abrasive. It was found that in all cases. the highest wear was obtained with a steel wheel in dry conditions and the lowest wear with a rubber wheel in wet conditions. These changes in test condition gave a variation in wear of nearly three orders of magnitude. A marked increase in wear was seen as the load was increased. There was little effect on wear from relative speed. The observed mechanisms of wear are discussed with respect to the magnitude of wear that was found.