Microstructure and tribological properties of gas tungsten arc clad TiC composite coatings on carbon steel

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the wear performance of carbon steel cladded with TiC powders by gas tungsten arc welding method. Because of poor wear resistance, carbon steels have limited industrial applications as tribological components.

Design/methodology/approach

The cladding microstructures were characterized by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer. The wear behavior of the clad layer was studied with a block-on-ring tribometer.

Findings

The experimental results revealed that the metallurgical interface provided an excellent bond between the cladding and the carbon steel substrate. The cladding revealed no porosity or cracking, and particles were evenly distributed throughout the cladding layer. Hardness was increased from HRc 6.6 in the substrate to HRc 62 in the cladded layer due to the presence of the hard TiC phase.

Originality/value

The experiments confirm that the cladding surfaces of TiC particles reduce wear rate and friction. Increasing TiC contents also improves hardness and wear resistance at room temperature and under dry sliding wear conditions.

Citation

Peng, D.-X., Kang, Y. and Huang, Y.-J. (2014), "Microstructure and tribological properties of gas tungsten arc clad TiC composite coatings on carbon steel", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 66 No. 5, pp. 609-617. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-09-2011-0071