Wear Maps and Statistical Approach of AISI 316L Alloy under Dry Sliding Conditions

In the present work, 2D wear maps and statistical approaches on commercial samples of AISI 316L stainless steel were obtained to provide a general visualization of response variables and wear regimes under different dry sliding conditions. Dry sliding wear tests on the AISI 316L steel were performed according to the ASTM G133-05 standard procedure guidelines. A linear reciprocating sliding tribometer with a ball-on-flat configuration and a counterpart of Al₂O₃ was used. Wear tests were performed at room temperature with the following conditions: sliding distance of 100 m, a constant applied load of 5, 10, and 20 N, and sliding speeds of 5, 10, 20, and 30 mm/s. The analysis of variance showed that the load influences the depth, volume, and CoF response variables in a positive way with more than 97% of confidence; while the specific wear rate response variable is mainly affected by the sliding speed with more than 42% of confidence. 2D maps of the response variables were obtained using response surface methodology as a function of the load and sliding speed. The maximum specific wear rate was ~450×10^-6 mm³/Nm for the condition of 5 N and 5 mm/s, influenced by the test conditions. From SEM analysis, wear regimes were classified as mild and severe and thus plowing, and material agglomeration predominate as failure mechanisms during mild wear. For severe wear, differences are more evident, with smearing being predominant on the worn tracks.