TiC/Cr-Fe ceramal composite coating processed by PTA

In situ synthesized TiC particle reinforced high-chromium Fe-based composite coating was fabricated on substrate of Q235 carbon steel by plasma transferred arc(PTA) process using the mixture of ferrotitanium,ferrochromium,ferroboron and ferrosilicium powders.The microstructure and wear properties of the composite coating were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron micrograph(SEM),energy dispersive X-ray analysis(EDS),microhardness tester and wear tester.Results indicat that the composite coating has a rapidly solidified microstructure consisting of in-situ the reinforcing TiC carbide,primary Cr₇C₃,(Cr,Fe)₇C₃ eutectics,and is metallurgically bonded to the Q235 steel substrate.TiC particles present granular,rod-like and dendrite shape in the composite coating.The composite coating has high microhardness and excellent wear resistance under dry-sliding wear test condition.