Abstract: An abrasion-resistant material is constructed from gray iron alloyed with 0.30 to 0.70% phosphorous. The high phosphorous cast iron alloy is heat treated for approximately 120 minutes to an austenitizing temperature of about 1600.degree. F. Next, the alloy is austempered for approximately 180 minutes at about 580.degree. F. The resulting abrasion-resistant structure is an acicular ferrite in stable austenite (ausferrite) with islands of a non-continuous, broken network of steadite of approximately 8 to 10% by volume, which has a material hardness of 280 to 330 BHN.

Abstract: A system for preventing microwelding of a piston ring installed in a circumferential groove of a piston, wherein the ring has at least one piston groove engaging surface which is coated with thermal set resin, polytetrafluoroethylene and molydisulfide. This composition provides critical lubrication during the piston and piston ring break-in period and prevents localized high pressure, and high temperature areas which promote microwelding.