Influence of Heat Treatment of 30MnB5 Steel on its Micromechanical Properties and Resistance to Abrasion Wear

The microstructure evolution of the 30MnB5 steel, tempered at the different temperatures, the micromechanical properties and wear resistance was studied. The correlation between results of sclerometry and wear resistance of steel was found. Minimal work of plastic deformation (29.42·10-8 J) accompanies the maximal wear resistance of steel. This makes it possible to use sclerometry as an express method for testing steel for wear resistance after various types of heat treatment. The abrasive wear resistance of 30MnB5 steel depends on its hardness which provides resistance of material to micro-cutting by abrasive grain. Maximal wear resistance of steel is observed after quenching and tempering at 200°C, when its hardness is 54 and 49 HRC. The abrasive wear of quenched and tempered at 200°C steel 30MnB5 is the result of micro-cutting and micro-ploughing. The plastic deformation, displacement of material along the grooves, pit holes and chipping of the brittle components are observed on the friction surface of steel after tempering at 400°C and 600°C. Surface damage at the friction tests with an unfixed abrasive is less than with a fixed abrasive.