Effect of cerium on abrasive wear behaviour of hardfacing alloy

Hardfacing alloys with different amounts of ceria were prepared by self-shielded flux cored arc welding. The abrasion tests were carried out using the dry sand-rubber wheel machine according to JB/T 7705-1995 standard. The hardness of hardfacing deposits was measured by means of HR-150AL Rockwell hardness test and the fracture toughness was measured by the indentation method. Microstructure characterization and surface analysis were made using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy spectrum analysis. The results showed that the wear resistance was determined by the size and distribution of the carbides, as well as by the matrix microstructure. The main wear mechanisms observed at the surfaces included micro-cutting and micro-ploughing of the matrix. The addition of ceria improved the hardness and fracture toughness of hardfacing deposits, which would increase the resistance to plastic deformation and scratch, thus the wear resistance of hardfacing alloys was improved.