Abstract: The relationship between the retained austenite content of the matrix in 16Cr-3C white irons and the abrasion resistance was investigated. The results show that: (1) the abrasion resistance can be improved by sub-critical heat treatment, which could be attributed to the decrease of the retained austenite content; (2) both the abrasion resistance and hardness can be improved by controlling the retained austenite content below 20%-30% and arrive at the maximum when the retained austenite content is reduced to about 10%; (3) the abrasion resistance decreases abruptly once the retained austenite content is lower than 10%, which stems from both the in situ transformation of (Fe, Cr)₂₃C₆ to M₃C carbides and the formation of pearlitic matrix.