In the relentless pursuit of enhancing industrial efficiency and longevity, researchers have made a significant stride in improving the high-temperature wear resistance of H13 steel, a material widely used in energy sector applications. A team led by ZHANG Ming-qi from the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Jiangsu University has successfully developed a Fe-based alloy coating using laser cladding, a process that could revolutionize the way we approach high-temperature wear in critical components.
The study, published in ‘Cailiao Baohu’ (translated to ‘Materials Protection’), focuses on the high-temperature wear performance of this innovative coating. The results are promising, with the coating demonstrating superior wear resistance compared to traditional H13 steel, particularly at elevated temperatures. “The wear rate of the coating was significantly lower than that of H13 steel, especially at 600 ℃,” noted ZHANG Ming-qi, highlighting the potential impact of this research on industries operating in extreme conditions.
The researchers conducted high-temperature wear tests under various loads and temperatures, providing a comprehensive analysis of the coating’s performance. At 400 ℃, the coating’s wear rate increased slightly with load, but it remained consistently lower than that of the H13 matrix. At 600 ℃, the coating’s wear rate increased more noticeably under higher loads, yet it still outperformed the substrate. “Under the most severe conditions, the coating’s wear rate was much smaller than that of the substrate,” ZHANG added, underscoring the coating’s robustness.
The study also delved into the wear mechanisms, revealing that the coating generally exhibited mild oxidative abrasion, forming a dense friction layer that protected the coating effectively. However, under the most extreme conditions (600 ℃ and 150 N), the friction layer’s protective function diminished, leading to oxidative wear.
The implications of this research are substantial for the energy sector, where components often operate under high-temperature and high-load conditions. Improved wear resistance can lead to longer component lifespans, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced operational efficiency. As ZHANG Ming-qi explained, “This coating technology could potentially extend the service life of critical components in energy generation and processing equipment, leading to significant economic and environmental benefits.”
Looking ahead, this research opens new avenues for developing advanced coatings tailored to specific industrial needs. The team’s work not only advances our understanding of high-temperature wear mechanisms but also paves the way for innovative solutions that can withstand the harshest operating conditions. As the energy sector continues to evolve, such advancements will be crucial in driving progress and sustainability.