Exploratory Data Analysis for the Evaluation of Tribological Properties of Wear-Resistant Surface Layers Modified with Rare-Earth Metals

The role of rare Earth metals in the improvement of the properties of metals and alloys has been analysed and described in multiple studies. Their effects on changes in microstructure and mechanical properties are most pronounced. This paper focuses on the beneficial effect of rare Earth metal oxides on the wear resistance of surface layers applied to castings intended for structural elements of machinery and equipment in mining and recycling. The experiment involved modifying prepared surfaces by adding CeO(2), Y(2)O(3), and La(2)O(3). Hardness measurements, a scratch test, and tribological tests were performed under dry and fluid friction. The maximum wear track depth and track area were measured from the surface profile. To determine correlations between the results, exploratory data analysis was employed. Heatmaps were used to illustrate strong positive and negative interactions. The addition of oxides at increasing carbon content resulted in increased hardness, lower coefficient of friction, and reduced track area and maximum track depth. Strong negative interactions between the track area and maximum track depth were found. The differences resulting from the test conditions (fluid and dry friction) were discussed. This study demonstrated the suitability of exploratory data analysis for analysing research results and confirmed the improvement of modified surface wear resistance.