This work studies plastic behaviour and its influence on the abrasive wear resistance of a group of high chromium white cast irons. The irons were poured in metallic moulds and heat treated. The studied alloys have 3% C, 12% Cr, as well as 0.6% and 2.4% Si. The plastic characteristics are evaluated through the parameters obtained from Meyer's test: the strain hardening capacity (n) and the constant of penetration resistance (k).
The influence of silicon content and applied heat treatments on Meyer's test parameters was determined. The heat treated samples showed values between n=2.3 and n=2.5. These values confirm a hardening capacity greater than the cast specimens. The high silicon alloy specimens show greater n-values than the low silicon alloy ones. This tendency is remarked when the complete treatments (austenitizing, cooling and holding) are applied. Correlation between n, k and the relative abrasive wear show good values for (k), but too much dispersion for the Meyer's Index (n).
