Abrasive wear of industrial materials handling plant (e.g. transfer chutes, conveyors and hoppers) is a direct cause of repair, replacement and downtime and represents a major factor in the cost of production. Abrasive wear is also an important factor in determining the life of tillage and construction equipment and in the case of tillage tools has a direct impact on the draft forces required to pull the plough. There is therefore considerable interest in the design, development and use of cost effective wear resistant materials for such applications.