Effect of rare earth on microstructure and carbides in WC-Fe composite coating

Abstract

WC-Fe composite coatings were prepared on IC45/080A47 steel substrates by argon arc cladding technique. Minute amounts of La were added into the coating, and the microstructure was investigated to find the relation to rare earth. Results show that RE does not change the categories of phases, and the main components remain α-Fe, Fe₃W₃C, WC and W₂C. However, the distribution of carbide particles is optimised. It reduces the agglomeration and bridging in the cladding layer's structure, makes the particles distribute homogeneously and restrains the dissolution of WC and the formation of fishbone shaped dendritic carbides. It promotes the formation of granular carbide and refines grains. It also reserves the WC particles in the composite coating and improves the average hardness and wear resistance.

Keywords

Rare earth element Composite coating Carbide WC Hardness Abrasion

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