Högskolan i Skövde

Abstract Plastic deformation of the matrix during the wear process results in closing the graphite flakes. In this study, the relationship between the deformation of the matrix and the closing tendency of flake graphite was investigated, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Two representative piston rings, which belonged to the same two-stroke marine engine but were operated for different periods of time, were studied. Initial microstructural observations indicated a uniform distribution of graphite flakes on unworn surfaces, whereas worn surfaces demonstrated a tendency towards a preferred orientation. Approximately 40% of the open flakes of the unworn surfaces were closed during sliding, which may result in the deterioration of the self-lubricating capability of cast iron. Moreover, flakes within the orientation range of 0 to 30° relative to the sliding direction showed a maximum closing tendency when subjected to sliding. The closing tendency gradually decreased as the angle increased, approaching a minimum between 30 and 70°. A slight increase in the closing tendency was observed for flakes with orientations between 70 and 90°. A similar trend was observed on both rings. Furthermore, SEM and EDS analysis indicated substantial deformation of the matrix in the area around the flakes. An insignificant corrosion attack was observed on both worn piston ring surfaces.

This study focuses on the graphite flakes extrusion mechanism during microindenting and microscratching of cast iron. Observations on the graphite response under abrasive conditions revealed that the matrix deformation which is occurred during a sliding wear condition could have a significant influence on its lubricating performance. Simple microindentation and microscratch tests were conducted to explore the lamellar graphite contribution to tribofilm formation under abrasive wear conditions. The results obtained showed that induced plastic deformation which developed adjacent to the graphite compressed the lamellas and in turn resulting in extrusion of the graphite from its natural position. Further investigations on both indentation and scratch tests indicated that, surprisingly, the graphite began to be fractured and extruded from the centre of graphite lamellas, irrespective of the lamella size. Additionally, a mechanism was proposed to explain the self-lubricating and the extrusion behaviour of the lamellar graphite as a result of indentation.

Cast iron is assessed as a self-lubricating material under sliding conditions. This is due to the graphite particles distributed in the matrix, which come out from their pocket, and form a tribofilm between the mating surfaces, and by which improve the tribological characteristics. In this study, the directionality and the interaction between the graphite and matrix material was investigated by microindentation and microscratch techniques. The results showed that the graphite is fractured and pushed out from the middle of graphite lamellas as a result of indentation. It was also observed that the graphite orientation below the surface intensely influenced the pushing out behaviour. For the graphite oriented toward the indenter position, the effect was more pronounced. Moreover, it was found that a scratch test can be used to investigate and explain the graphite pushing out tendency. The result was used to explain the directionality and closing tendency of the graphite lamellas during sliding.

The development of high-performing components is crucial in applications such as heavy vehicle automotive powertrains. In these applications, strength, weight and thermal conductivity is essential properties. Key materials that may fulfil these requirements include cast irons of different grades where in terms of manufacturability and in particular machinability pearlitic grades are difficult due to hardness variation, where a fully ferritic matrix would provide an advantage. To achieve maximum strength a fully ferritic and solid solution strengthened compacted graphite iron (CGI) would provide an interesting alternative to the automotive industry. In the current study, the effect of Si level on mechanical properties in a fully ferritic material was investigated. The influence of section thickness on tensile properties and hardness was investigated. The resulting material was fully ferritic with limited pearlite content. Section thickness influence on nodularity and hence the mechanical properties were also investigated.