Microstructural Tailoring for Enhanced Wear Resistance and Improved Mechanical Properties in High-Carbon Rail Steel

Abstract

This study delves into the impact of interlamellar spacing on the tribological behavior of pearlitic steels, commonly used in railway tracks worldwide. Four distinct pearlitic steel variants, characterized by varying interlamellar spacings (coarse, medium, fine, and very fine), with identical chemical compositions were produced through targeted heat-treatment processes. By controlling chemical composition, this study isolates the microstructural effects on wear performance. Tribological tests were conducted using ball-on-disk apparatus under loads of 20, 40, and 60 N. The results demonstrate a direct correlation between reduced interlamellar spacings and decreased wear volume loss, attributed to enhanced hardness. Wear resistance exhibits a progressive improvement across the steel variants, from coarse to very fine pearlitic steels. Wear volume loss escalates with increasing load due to heightened contact stresses. This research highlights the pivotal role of wear debris in modulating the coefficient of friction and altering the wear mechanism. The microstructural morphology of the strain-hardened subsurface layer exerts a profound impact on wear behavior. © ASM International 2025.