Abstract
The properties of pearlitic steel?re controlled by pearlite characteristics which in turn depend on transformation temperatures. This work?ims to study the relationship between the microstructure hardness ?nd wear behavior of pearlitic rail steel obtained via different heat treatment conditions. The samples were?ustenitized?t temperatures in the range of 800-1000?C?nd then subjected to isothermal treatment?t temperatures of 400-600?C. The microstructure was examined using optical microscopy?nd scanning electron microscopy. Sample hardness was measured using Vickers microhardness tester. Pin-on-disc testing was used to study the wear behavior of samples. The results showed that the?ustenite grain size increased with increasing?ustenitization temperatures. The heat-treated microstructures contained proeutectoid ferrite bainitic ferrite ?nd pearlite. Pearlite colony size?nd interlamellar spacing increased with increasing isothermal temperatures. The hardness of the rail material increased when the microstructural scale was refined. In?ddition to the hardness the type?nd morphology of phases in the sample microstructure strongly influenced the wear behavior. The important wear mechanisms included fatigue cracking delamination ?nd?dhesive wear. ? 2023 Science Society of Thailand under Royal Patronage. All rights reserved.
