Effect of Rolling Strain on the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of 316 L Stainless Steel

The mechanical and tribological performances of 316 L stainless steel subjected to different cold rolling (CR) strains were investigated. The microhardness and strength of 316 L stainless steel were improved attributed to the formation of high-density defects, such as dislocations and parallel lamellar structures. Furthermore, the tribology tests were conducted under dry sliding at room temperature. With the increase in rolling strain, the wear rate of 316 L stainless steel gradually decreased due to the improvements in microhardness and strength. For the as-received specimen, the strong adhesive wear leads to the maximum wear rate compared with the cold rolled specimens. Under higher rolling strain conditions, the grain boundary embrittlement caused by oxygen reaction leads to the formation of oxidative abrasive under dry sliding conditions, and then the oxidative abrasive could serve as the third body at the siding interface. Consequently, there is a transition phase where the wear mechanism gradually shifts from adhesive to abrasive wear.