Effect of Niobium on the Dry Sliding Friction and Wear Properties of 100Cr6 Bearing Steel

In this work, the dry sliding friction and wear properties were studied by wear test for 100Cr6 bearing steel when Nb content was 0.018% and 0.040%. In addition, in order to explain the differences, the experimental samples were processed for spheroidizing annealed and the quenched-tempered microstructure and hardness was analyzed. The result indicated that their friction coefficient was decreased to 0.047 when Nb content was 0.018% and the worn surface is microcutting and spalling without plowing. When Nb content was 0.040%, the friction coefficient was decreased to 0.006 and maximum wear depth was the deepest owing to obvious cutting. In order to increase the properties of the friction and wearing, Nb content should be decreased. With Nb content increased, the properties of the friction and wearing are decreased. The incorporation of Nb into bearing steel promotes the formation of martensite and carbide particles, which results in the diversity of the wear behaviors, eventually.