Improving the wear resistance of 440 C bearing steel balls through mechanical ball milling induced gradient structure

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 191; p. 109115
• Main Authors: Xie, Xincheng, Liu, Zhihui, Zhao, Zhuan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2024
• Subjects: 440 C steel balls; Mechanical ball milling; Surface gradient nanostructure; Wear resistance; Wear resistance; Mechanical ball milling; Surface gradient nanostructure; 440 C steel balls
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2023.109115

This study explored 440 C steel ball wear resistance via mechanical ball milling with Al2O3 powder. We used a customized grinding jar to compare heat-treated, untreated, Al2O3-treated, and Al2O3 + distilled water-treated samples. We assessed wear resistance, residual stress, microhardness, and surface roughness. Results revealed that the combination of distilled water and Al2O3 powder induced nanostructured stacking faults, increased dislocation density, and grain refinement. Treated samples had a > 200 µm thick strengthened layer, − 355 MPa residual stress, and max microhardness of 776.6 HV. These samples showed superior wear resistance, reduced wear volume, and lower friction. This suggests that Al2O3 powder and distilled water in mechanical ball milling enhance ball mechanical part wear resistance, offering industrial potential.