Characterisation of Electrode Drying Effect on the Tungsten Carbide Hardfacing Microstructure

Abstract

This study addresses characterization of ED (electrode drying) effect on WC hardfacing welding microstructure. Medium carbon steel blade which used as CD (continuous digester) blade to mix up sulphuric acid together with ilmenite ore in a digester tank as a major part of production. Microstructure of WC hardfacing, elemental composition alongside hardness analyses are executed to investigate the effect of ED (electrode drying). The ED (electrode drying) effect on microstructure and hardness values of WC hardafcing coating are characterized by SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis and micro-Vickers hardness tester correspondingly. Results revealed that ED (electrode drying) effect less significant in the larger carbides at overall coating zone. However, the absence of ED (electrode drying) led to distribution of uniform smaller carbide in non-carbide zone. The uniform carbide distribution increases the hardness of the WC hardfacing coating.