Structure-based selection of surface engineering parameters to improve wear resistance of heterogeneous nickel- and iron-based alloys

Heat treatment, low energy elevated-temperature nitrogen ion implantation, and combination of these techniques were selected to analyze the influence of surface structure parameters on tribological properties of precipitation hardening nickel-based alloys and chromium steels. It was demonstrated that wear resistance of investigated alloys did not correlate well with the surface hardness for both sliding and abrasive modes of wear. Details of microstructure including inclusion morphology, interface microstructure, and stress–strain state induced by preceding treatments of blocks should be taken into account to explain properly wear behavior of blocks.