Size-dependent amorphization of cementite lamellae in a tribolayer

The deformation and structural evolution characteristics of cementite in tribolayers significantly impact the friction and wear properties of pearlitic steels. However, the mechanism and size dependency of cementite amorphization remain unclear. Herein, the focused ion beam (FIB) lift-out technique was used to prepare transmission electron microscopy (TEM) samples of tribolayers formed during dry sliding of pearlitic steel. The microstructure of and elemental distributions in the tribolayers were characterized. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to analyze the behavior of dislocation slip systems in ferrite that extended toward cementite and induced amorphization. The results indicated that cementite amorphization occurred prior to dissolution within the tribolayer. Dislocation slips at the phase interface resulted in C diffusion and cementite amorphization. The transformation of cementite was size dependent. Thin lamellae transformed into amorphous lamellae, while local deformation and shear bands formed in thick lamellae. These research findings could contribute to rational design of cementite and to control of its structural evolution behavior within a tribolayer, thereby enhancing the wear resistance of a material.