Abstract: By using SEM, replica technique, and surface tracer, the surface morphology and asperity of sliding wear specimen of bearing steel have been periodically observed and measured during the wearing process. Combined with the measurement of microhardness, the change of microstructure and microhardness in longitudinal and cross sections of wearing specimen from outside to inside has been investigated. A sliding wear mechanism based on the deformation and fracture of material has been proposed. The effect of microstructure, strength and toughness of steel on the microstructure of wear modified layer, wearing crack initiation, and crack propagation has been clarified.

Key words: 磨损, 耐磨性, 轴承钢