Microstructure and properties of TiB₂-metal ceramics coatings by plasma transferred arc surfacing

The TiB₂ whisker was synthesized in-situ during the reaction of the alloy powders employing the plasma arc powder surfacing. Optical metallography, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, hardness measuring and the crack resistant property were investigated. The results showed that the ceramic coatings mainly consisted of the TiB₂ whisker and the chemical compound of Fe,C and B, and the coatings and the matrixes were metallurgical bonded; The crack resistant property of the coatings was superior to that without TiB₂ whisker.