Tribological characteristics of cast irons under dry sliding condition

The tribological properties of cast iron under dry sliding condition were systematically investigated with a pin-on-disc test rig. The influence of graphite morphology, alloying element incorporation and the matrix microstructure on the tribological properties of cast irons in dry sliding against 40Cr steel was researched. The microstructure of the cast iron matrix was observed with an optical microscope. As a result, the compacted graphite cast iron shows good comprehensive friction and wear behavior, and the wear-resistance of the cast iron is effectively increased by incorporating alloying elements P and B. Moreover, the friction and wear behavior of the cast iron is also highly dependent on the matrix microstructure. The compacted graphite cast iron will be suitable to be used for the preparation of braking components, because it has the best wear-resistance and a most stable high friction coefficient among the cast iron specimens tested.