Effect of Carbon Content and Elements Mo and V on the Microstructure and Properties of Stainless Steel Powder Surfacing Layer

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of an increase in carbon content and the presence of the elements Mo and V on the microstructure and properties of the surfacing layer of stainless steel powder for knives and scissors production. Various types of high-quality stainless steel powder (5Cr13, 8Cr13, and 8Cr13MoV) were deposited on the surface of low-grade stainless steel used to produce knives and scissors (2Cr13). The microstructure, comprehensive hardness, wear resistance, impact toughness, and corrosion resistance of the stainless steel powder surfacing layers were tested and analyzed. Results indicate that the increase in carbon content and the presence of Mo and V improve the comprehensive hardness and wear resistance of the stainless steel powder surfacing layer, and both exert the superposition effect. However, the increase in carbon content and the presence of Mo and V slightly influence the impact toughness of the surfacing layer. In addition, the increase in carbon content significantly reduces the corrosion resistance of the surfacing layer. This adverse effect is reduced when Mo and V exist. Other advantages of the presence of Mo and V in the stainless steel powder surfacing layer include the refinement of grain size, reduction of carbide particle size, and improvement of the metallurgical bonding of the surfacing layer and the matrix.