Microstructure and dry sliding wear behavior of Fe2TiSi /γ-Fe/Ti5Si3 composite coating fabricated by plasma transferred arc cladding process

Wear resistant Fe2TiSi reinforced composite coating with a microstructure consisting of fine Fe2TiSi primary dendrites uniformly distributed in the super fine γ-Fe/Ti5Si3 eutectic matrix was in situ fabricated on a substrate of 0.20%C plain low carbon steel substrate by the plasma transferred arc (PTA) cladding process using Fe–Ti–Si–Cr powders blend as the precursor material. Microstructure of the coating was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Microhardness along the depth direction of the PTA clad Fe2TiSi/γ-Fe/Ti5Si3 multi-phase composite coating was measured. Room temperature dry sliding wear resistance of the coating was tested. Results showed that the PTA clad Fe2TiSi/γ-Fe/Ti5Si3 composite coating had high and almost uniform hardness distribution along the depth direction of the coating. Under dry sliding wear conditions at an ambient temperature, the PTA clad Fe2TiSi/γ-Fe/Ti5Si3 composite coating exhibited excellent abrasive and adhesive wear resistance.