Microstructure and properties of TiC_p/Al composite coating by argon arc cladding

By using argon arc cladding,TiC_p/Al composites coating was in-situ synthesized on the ZL104 alloy surface.The microstructures and properties of the composites coatings were investigated by X-ray diffractometer,scanning electron microscope and microhardness tester.The results show that if the content of(Ti+C) is less than 30% during argon arc cladding,both TiC particle and Al₃Ti compounds can be found.If the content of(Ti+C) is more than 30% during argon arc cladding,the fine TiC particles of 1.5 μm in size can be completely synthesized.The uniform and continuous excellent metallurgical bonding without defects between the coating and the ZL104 substrate was obtained and the particles were dispersively distributed in the coating.The microhardness of the coatings enhanced by the TiC particles can reach 650 HV0.2,which is about 7 times higher than that of the ZL104 alloy.