*2.1. Aim of the Study*

The main purpose of this research was to compare the abrasion resistance of the metal-mineral abrasion of the manual metal arc hardfacing layer of a new self-developed covered tubular electrode with wear-resistant plates from leading manufacturers.

This research obtained selected quantitative and qualitative data to develop an innovative system, enabling the assessment of the wear state of hardfaced wear-resistant plates in industrial conditions through the real-time recording of measurement data, such as the operating temperature and vibration. Real-time wear data processed by a computer system were used to predict maintenance requirements, which would enable industrial operators to properly manage, plan, and reduce the cost of maintenance downtime.

Wear resistance determination was performed according to ASTM G65-00: Procedure A [28]. Hardness measurements were made in accordance with ISO 6508-1:2016 [29]. The wear resistance of selected surface layers was compared to Swedish abrasion-resistant steel with a nominal hardness of 400 HBW (~423 HV). The determination of wear character was made by means of macroscopic, confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy examinations, and the properties of the microstructure were examined by light microscopy and X-ray diffraction.

All of the examined wear-resistant hardfaced composite plates were characterized by:


The range of performed examinations consisted of:

