Microstructure and wear properties of in situ TiC/FeCrBSi composite coating prepared by gas tungsten arc welding

Using a gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process, in situ synthesis TiC particles reinforced Fe-based alloy composite coating has been produced by pre-coated FeCrBSi alloy, graphite and ferrotitanium powders on the substrate. The microstructure and wear properties of the composite coatings were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and wear test. The effects of thickness of the pre-coated powder layer on the microstructure, hardness and wear resistance of the composite coatings were also investigated. The results indicated that TiC particles were produced by direct metallurgical reaction between ferrotitanium and graphite during the GTAW process. TiC particles with sizes in the range of 3–5 μm were dispersed in the matrix. The volume fraction of TiC particles and microhardness gradually increased from the bottom to the top of the composite coatings. The TiC-reinforced composite coatings enhance the hardness and wear resistance. The highest wear resistance of the composite coating with a 1.2 mm layer was obtained.