Effect of quenched-tempered heat treatment on the wear resistance mechanism of zirconia toughened alumina ceramic reinforced high chromium cast iron architecture composite

Zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramic particles can significantly enhance the wear resistance of high chromium cast iron (HCCI). In this study, the effect on the wear resistance of quenched and quenched-tempered heat treatment for ZTA/HCCI architecture composites has been investigated. After three-body abrasive wear, the quality loss ratio of quenched and quenched-tempered composites was 0.31 % and 0.29 %, respectively; while the quality loss ratio of quenched-tempered HCCI was 0.58 %, which means the wear resistance of ZTA/HCCI composites enhanced. The matrix microstructure of HCCI transferred to martensite or tempered martensite, which made the metal uniformly distribute and ensure the relatively high hardness of ZTA/HCCI architecture composites. Then, the worn surface structure of the ZTA/HCCI architecture composites revealed that ZTA ceramic particles have a shadow effect to enhance the wear resistance of HCCI. The wear process of the composite can be summarized into four stages: First, martensite or tempered martensite peels off and accompanies by a work-hardening process at the surface. Second, carbide starts to crack and break. Third, the size of the composite diffusion layer boundary starts to decrease. Finally, ZTA ceramic particle surface breaks and the composite enters a state of instability. The ZTA/HCCI composites heat treatment process can give an idea for machinability and excellent wear resistance.