EFFECT OF MICROSTRUCTURE ON ROLLING SLIDING WEAR OF LOW-CARBON BAINITIC STEELS/

The microstructures of five molybdenum-boron, low carbon, bainitic ste els were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and the wear behavior of the steels determined under severe rolling/sliding co ntact. Wear resistance was enhanced by the presence of carbide-free ba inite. The degree to which the microstructure contained this form of b ainite was increased by higher carbon content and cooling rate. A 0.18 % C, 1.13% Si steel in the as-quenched condition exhibited wear behavi or as good as a 0.8% C, head-hardened, pearlitic rail steel.