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Understanding the Effect of Ni on Mechanical and Wear Properties of Low-Carbon Steel from a View-Point of Electron Work Function

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Abstract

Electron work function (EWF) is correlated to intrinsic properties of metallic materials and can be an alternative parameter to obtain supplementary clues for guiding material design and modification. A higher EWF corresponds to a more stable electronic state, leading to higher resistance to any attempt to change the material structure and properties. In this study, effects of Ni as a solute with a higher EWF on mechanical, electrochemical, and tribological properties of low-carbon steel were investigated. Added Ni, which has more valence electrons, enhanced the electrons-nuclei interaction in the steel, corresponding to higher EWF. As a result, the Ni-added steel showed increased mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, resulting in higher resistances to wear and corrosive wear. Mechanism for the improvements is elucidated through analyzing EWF-related variations in Young’s modulus, hardness, corrosion potential, and tribological behavior.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for financial support from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Suncor Energy, GIW Industries Inc., Camber Technology Corporation, Shell Canada Ltd., Magna International Inc. and Volant Products Inc.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada

    Hao Lu, Xiaochen Huang, Runfang Hou & D. Y. Li

  2. College of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials, Education Ministry of China, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China

    Hao Lu

  3. Aerospace Research Institute of Materials & Processing Technology, NO. 1 Nandahongmen Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100076, China

    Xiaochen Huang

Authors
  1. Hao Lu
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  2. Xiaochen Huang
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  3. Runfang Hou
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  4. D. Y. Li
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to D. Y. Li.

Additional information

Manuscript submitted May 23, 2017.

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Lu, H., Huang, X., Hou, R. et al. Understanding the Effect of Ni on Mechanical and Wear Properties of Low-Carbon Steel from a View-Point of Electron Work Function. Metall Mater Trans A 49, 2612–2621 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-018-4616-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-018-4616-1

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