Microstructure evolution of WC/steel composite by laser surface re-melting

WC/steel composites fabricated by electro-slag melting and casting were re-melted by transverse flow CO2 laser. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the microstructure evolution in laser melted layer. It was found that the laser-affected zone has three distinguished zones, the melted, transient and heat affected zone. The phases of the melted zone were composed of WC, Fe3W3C, (Cr,Fe)7C3, martensite and retained austenite. The microstructure evolution in the melted zone was represented by the transformation of three parts including the steel matrix, WC particles cluster and dispersed carbides. A significant reactant was herringbone eutectic carbide of Fe3W3C. The effect of laser scanning rate was mainly behaved in affecting the melt depth, microstructure of transient zone and dissolution of medium carbides. In comparison with the substrate, the melted zone has much higher microhardness.