Fabrication of Fe3Al cladding layers by cold metal transfer arc deposited technique

Abstract

Abstract Fe3Al cladding layers were fabricated on the steel plate using cold metal transfer arc deposited technique. The effect of current intensity on the morphologies, microstructures, and mechanical properties of the cladding layers was investigated. Under low-current conditions, the Fe3Al cladding layer exhibited excellent formability, favourable wettability, and low dilution rate without defects such as gas holes and cracks. The cladding layer was composed of Fe3Al phase and FeAl phase. The microstructure of the cladding layer was divided into a fine grain zone, a columnar grain zone, and an equiaxed grain zone. A transition layer appeared at Fe3Al/steel interface, and the bonding strength between the cladding layer and steel plate was high. With increasing current, cracks were generated at Fe3Al/steel interface and the bonding strength was reduced.