Performance of Reactive Plasma Cladding TiC Particle Reinforced High Chromium Fe-Based Ceramics Composite Coating

Abstract

The in-situ synthesized TiC particle reinforced high chromium Fe-based ceramics composite coating was fabricated on the substrate of Q235 steel by plasma cladding process using Fe-Cr-Ti-C composite powder as reactive material. Microstructure of the coating was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), the phases were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the wear resistance was evaluated under dry sliding wear test conditions at room temperature. Results indicate that the composite coating consists of the reinforcing TiC carbide, (Cr,Fe)7C3 eutectic as well as austenite, and is metallurgically bonded to the Q235 steel substrate. The gradient distribution of TiC carbides is observed. TiC particles present in the granular shape in the fusion zone and central zone while present in the dendritic shape on the surface of the composite coating. Hardness of the coating from surface to fusion zone varies a little; the average hardness of the coating is about HV0.2750 which is 3.2 times as much as that of the base. The wear mass loss of Q235 base material is 13 times higher than that of the composite coating.