Effect of tempering temperature on the wear behaviour of martensitic ductile iron

Ductile cast irons (DCIs) with different microstructures have been widely investigated and applied. The present work aims to illustrate the effect of different tempering temperatures (150-600 degrees C) on the wear behaviour of martensitic ductile cast iron. The results indicate that the wear rate increases with tempering temperatures above 300 degrees C. The lowest wear rate is found after tempering at 150-300 degrees C, where the smearing of graphite forms a solid lubricating film and maybe an oxide layer on the wear surfaces during the sliding process. With further increases in the tempering temperature, the main wear mechanism changes from abrasive wear to adhesive wear. It shows that martensitic ductile cast iron can be used as a self-lubricated bearing material in the future.