Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of 38CrNi3MoV Steel at Elevated Temperatures

Friction and wear behavior of 38CrNi3MoV steel were investigated from 25–600°C using a pin-on-disc elevated temperature tester. Thereafter, the hot hardness of the pin and disc, tribo-oxides phase composition, worn surface and interface morphology were examined to understand the wear mechanisms. The results show that the 38CrNi3MoV steel presented different wear rates at various temperatures. The ambient temperature is the main factor affecting the formation of tribo-oxides. While, the final morphology of tribo-oxides remaining on the worn surface depended on the difference between the disc’s hot hardness and the pin’s hot hardness (Hdisc − Hpin). Adhesive and abrasive wear, mild oxidative wear, severe oxidative wear, and mild oxidative wear prevailed at 25, 200, 400, and 600°C, respectively.