Wear Resistance of H13 and a New Hot-Work Die Steel at High temperature

The friction and wear behaviors of a new hot-work die steel, SDCM-SS, were studied at high temperature under dry air conditions. The wear mechanism and microstructural characteristics of the SDCM-SS steel were also investigated. The results showed that the SDCM-SS steel had greater wear resistance compared with H13 steel; this was owed to its high oxidizability and temper stability. These features facilitate the generation, growth, and maintenance of a tribo-oxide layer at high temperature under relatively stable conditions. The high oxidizability and thermal stability of the SDCM-SS steel originate from its particular alloy design. No chromium is added to the steel; this ensures that the material has high oxidizability, and facilitates the generation of tribo-oxides during the sliding process. Molybdenum, tungsten, and vanadium additions promote the high temper resistance and stability of the steel. Many fine Mo₂C and VC carbides precipitate during the tempering of SDCM-SS steel. During sliding, these carbides can delay the recovery process and postpone martensitic softening. The high temper stability postpones the transition from mild to severe wear and ensures that conditions of mild oxidative wear are maintained. Mild oxidative wear is the dominant wear mechanism for SDCM-SS steel between 400 and 700 °C.