Abstract: The role of austenite in impact-abrasion process was studied on the basis of the impact-abrasion test results of a newly developed austenite-bainitic ferrite dual-phase abrasion-resistant steel with high strength,high toughness and high strain-hardening ability. It is found that the morphology,distribution and mechanical stability,rather than the volume fraction,of austenite govern the impact abrasion behaviour.Only the appropriate amount of fine and evenly dispersed austenite with adequate mechanical stability in high strength matrices,contribute effectively to the irnpact-abrasion resistance of the materials.While large quantity of coarse austenite with poor mechanical stability,especially when it acted as a continuous matrix of the material,is extremely detrimental to impact-abrasion resistance.

Key words: austenite, wear resistance, impact abrasion, dual-phase steel