Abrasive wear characteristics of carbon and low alloy steels for better performance of farm implements

Abstract

The low stress abrasion behaviours of heat treated mild, medium carbon and high C-low Cr steels, which are generally used in making farm implements, have been investigated. The simple heat treatment greatly improves the hardness, tensile strength and abrasion resistance of medium carbon and high C-low Cr steels. The results indicate that the material removal during abrasion is controlled by a number of factors, such as hardness, chemical composition, microstructure and heat treatment conditions. The conclusion is that the heat treated high C-low Cr steel and mild steel carburized by coal-tar pitch provide the best hardness and abrasion resistance and thus appear to be the most suitable materials for making farm tools.