Effect of chromium content on cementite – pearlite interaction of white cast iron during three-body abrasive wear

Purpose This paper aims to demonstrate the effect of varying chromium content on the wear behavior of white cast iron, to study the interaction relationship between cementite and pearlite in white cast iron, while estimating their contribution rate in abrasive wear. Design/methodology/approach To study interaction of cementite-pearlite of white cast irons with different chromium content in three-body abrasive wear, three kinds of chromium white cast iron, bulk single-phase cementite, pure pearlite samples and the white cast iron (WCI), were prepared using the melting and casting technique. The so-called pure pearlite samples have the same chemical composition, microstructure and properties as the pearlite matrix in white cast iron. Findings Results indicated that the interaction has a negative value. Its absolute value decreased with increasing chromium addition. Meanwhile, a high load resulted in an increased interaction value. The contribution rate of cementite to interaction, which was higher than that of pearlite, increased with increasing chromium addition. This indicated cementite was a main phase. Besides, the reductive size of abrasive has a significant effect on the contribution rate at the high load. These prominent cementite occurred fracture, when small size abrasive indented the matrix. These result in the absence of a protective effect of cementite during wear process. Eventually, the contribution rate of cementite decreased significantly. Originality/value This paper demonstrates the effect of varying chromium content on wear behavior of white cast iron, to study the interaction relationship between cementite and pearlite in white cast iron while estimating their contribution rate in abrasive wear.