Microstructure of a Ni Matrix Composite Coating Reinforced by In-situ TiC Particles Using Plasma Cladding

THE TECHNOLOGY of a metal matrix composite(MMC)coating reinforced by ceramic particles oncheap metal substrates is a newly developed process.A powder alloy with a desirable composition is put onthe surface of a substrate.The powder and the toplayer of the substrate are simultaneously melted andrapidly solidified to form a dense coating and bondedtogether.Up to now,many cladding processes havebeen developed,including laser cladding'1'21,electroncladding and plasma cladding.The laser cladd…

Microstructure of a Ni Matrix Composite Coating Reinforced by In-situ TiC Particles Using Plasma Cladding

Plasma cladding process was used to prepare the TiC/Ni composite coating on the mild steel substrates. The TiC particles were synthesized in-situ. Microstructure and properties of the coating were investigated by optical microscopy, X-Ray diffraction, SEM, TEM and microhardness tester. The results show that the interface between the coating and the substrate is metallurgically bonded. The coating was uniform and almost defect-free when [Ti+C] varied from 10% to 20% after ball milling. The microstructure of the coating is mainly composed of -Ni dendrite, interdendritic eutectic ( -Ni austenite, M23C6 and CrB) and TiC particles. Most of the TiC particles are spherical and a small fraction is blocky in size of l~2(im. The TiC particles are smaller at the bottom than near the top of the coating. The coating has a gradient microstructure and a highest hardness of lOOOHyO. 1.