Abstract
The paper presents the results of a study on the influence of complex alloying with niobium, titanium and vanadium on the microstructure and tribological properties of high-chromium cast iron ChH16. For comparative analysis, a base alloy and experimental specimens containing about 1.5 wt. % Nb, 0.6 wt. % Ti and 0.6 wt. % V were examined. Microstructural analysis showed that in the initial ChH16 large plate-like eutectic M₇C₃ Carbides are formed, which determine the increased brittleness and tendency to intercarbide cracking. The addition of Nb, Ti and V leads to the formation of more equiaxed M₇C₃ carbides and the precipitation of a dispersed (Nb,V,Ti)1-хC-type phase, which acts as crystallization nuclei and promotes structure refinement. The results of tribological tests showed that the friction coefficient of the alloyed cast iron decreases by approximately 83% compared with the base cast iron, from 0.7 to 0.12, and remains stable during testing. Surface profilometry revealed a decrease in wear depth and roughness parameters by almost 50%, indicating a significant increase in the wear resistance of the alloyed cast iron. The obtained results demonstrate the high effectiveness of complex alloying with Nb, Ti and V, which makes it possible to substantially improve the wear resistance of ChH16 cast iron and to expand its application for parts operating under abrasive wear conditions.