Load dependent microstructural evolution in an as-cast 26% Cr high chromium cast iron during unlubricated sliding

In the current study, an as-cast 26% Cr high chromium cast iron (HCCI) alloy was subjected to dry-sliding linear wear tests, under different loads. The loads were selected based on analytically computing the critical load (PC) i.e., the load necessary to induce plastic deformation. The PC was calculated to be 15 N and accordingly, a sub-critical load (5 N) and an over-critical load (20 N) were chosen. The influence of increasing the load during the wear test was investigated in terms of the matrix microstructural behaviour and its ability to support the surrounding carbides. The morphological aspects of the wear tracks, and the deformed matrix microstructure adjacent and underneath the track was analysed by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. No evidence of plastic deformation of the matrix was observed below PC. On the contrary, at loads equal to and higher than PC, the austenitic matrix plastically deformed as evidenced by the presence of slip bands. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) measurements in terms of grain reference orientation deviation, and micro-Vickers hardness of the austenitic matrix indicated a deformation depth of about 40 µm at the maximum applied load of 20 N. The active wear mechanisms during sliding were a combination of both adhesive and abrasive wear, although increasing the load shifted the dominant mechanism towards abrasion. This was primarily attributable to the increased propensity for carbide cracking and fracturing, combined with the inability of the hardened austenitic matrix surface and sub-surface to adequately support the broken carbide fragments. Moreover, the shift in the dominant wear mechanism was also reflected in the wear volume and subsequently, the wear rate.

Development of a Protective Coating for Evaluating the Sub-surface Microstructure of a Worn Material

In the current study, electrolytic deposition using two different electrodes, copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) was investigated with the aim of protecting the worn surface during mechanical sectioning and polishing, for a posterior examination of the sub-surface microstructure. The efficacies of the two coatings were visually assessed based on its adhesivity and the ability to protect the wear tracks of an as-cast 26% Cr high chromium cast iron (HCCI) alloy. It was observed that electrodeposition using Cu as the electrode was ineffective owing to a poor adhesivity of the coating on the HCCI surface. The coating had peeled off at several regions across the cross-section during the mechanical sectioning. On the other hand, Ni electroplating using Ni strike as the electrolyte was successfully able to protect the wear track, and the sub-surface characteristics of the wear track could be clearly visualized. A uniform coating thickness of about 8 µm was deposited after 30–40 min with the current density maintained between 1 and 5 A/dm2. The presence of the Ni coating also acted as a protective barrier preventing the ejection of the broken carbide fragments underneath the wear track.

Optimization of Shrinkage Porosity in Grinding Media Balls by Casting Design Modification and Simulation Technique

Shrinkage porosity or cavity are associated with the solidification of the metal either due to gas/air entrapment or when the shrinkage occurring during solidification is not entirely compensated by the riser. Shrinkage cavities occurring in the casting reduces its strength which leads to unfulfillment of the desired serviceability. In this paper, casting design has been modified using the DISA manual to achieve directional solidification which directly relates to improvement of casting quality. The running of metal from pouring basin into casting along with solidification has been analysed through PROCAST which is a casting simulation software based on Finite Element Method and CAFE (Cellular Automata Finite Element) Model. The feeding system of the casting has been modified in terms of shape and volume to minimize air aspiration effect and promote directional solidification. The model used is of grinding media balls casting of high chromium cast iron. The feeding pattern, feeding velocity and solidification with respect to pouring temperature, pouring rate, ambient temperature and film coefficient has been analysed. The final optimum range of all parameters with corresponding minimum shrinkage porosity in casting was obtained. Main aim was to minimize shrinkage porosity in the main casting, ignoring gating and feeding system. The actual minimization of shrinkage porosity comes out around 56 %.