TiC coatings on an alloyed steel produced by thermal diffusion

Abstract

Abstract In this study, an alloyed steel surface was coated by thermal diffusion with titanium carbide powder at different temperatures (900, 1000 and 1100 °C) and times (1, 2 and 3 h) to determine their effect on the coating microstructure. The thermal coating was carried out by tube cementation designed and manufactured by us for the purpose of thermal coating. Coating thickness, element distribution and phase composition were analyzed by optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods, respectively. Microhardness tests were performed to determine mechanical properties. The influence of different temperatures and production times on the coating thickness and microstructure were determined. The results illustrated that titanium carbide particles adhere almost completely and are diffused to the substrate during production. Thus, coating thickness increased through increasing time and temperatures. Moreover, microhardness increased with increasing temperature more than time did. The highest microhardness value achieved was 1301 HV for 3 hours. Temperatures of 1000 °C were reached due to the diffusion of TiC to the surface of the substrate, thus forming an extremely hard and protective layer.