The Influence of Boron on Abrasive Wear Resistance of Chromium-Containing Cast Steel

Abstract The objective of the research presented in this article was to determine the influence of a micro-addition of boron on the abrasive wear resistance, as well as the strength and plastic properties of chromium-containing cast steel. The study compared a reference cast steel (Fe–C–Cr) with a cast steel of a similar chemical composition, but containing a micro-addition of boron (Fe–C–Cr–B). Abrasive wear resistance was assessed under laboratory conditions using soil masses with varying granulometric compositions, classified as light, medium, and heavy soils. The experimental results were preceded by an analysis of phase transformations occurring during continuous cooling, using dilatometric and metallographic studies, on the basis of which CCT diagrams were developed for both types of cast steel. Subsequently, for a selected heat treatment condition—quenching and tempering at 200 °C—hardness measurements, static tensile tests, Charpy impact tests, and fractographic analyses were carried out. The obtained results demonstrated that the cast steel containing a micro-addition of boron exhibits higher resistance to abrasive wear and improved strength properties, which result from a greater proportion of martensite in its microstructure, regardless of the cooling conditions. These findings indicate that the synergistic action of boron and chromium enables the production of cast steels with enhanced resistance to abrasive wear.