A study of Ni3Si-based composite coating fabricated by self-propagating high temperature synthesis casting route

A Ni3Si–Cr7C3 composite coating was fabricated on AISI 1020 steel substrate by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) casting route. Phase composition, microhardness and dry sliding wear behavior of the coating were studied. The results indicated that the coating was mainly consisted of Ni3Si and Cr7C3. The microhardness of coating is about 900 HV. The friction and wear tests showed that although the friction coefficient had no obvious change, the wear resistance of the AISI 1020 steel matrix was improved greatly. Also, the corrosion test result showed that the coating had an excellent corrosion resistance.

Research Highlights
► A Ni3Si–Cr7C3 composite coating was successfully fabricated by the SHS method.
► The coating is well adherent to the substrate and possesses high bonding strength.
► The coating exhibits excellent wear resistant and corrosion resistant properties.