Silicon carbide particulates incorporated into microalloyed steel surface using TIG: microstructure and properties

Surface metal matrix composites have been developed to enhance properties such as erosion, wear and corrosion of alloys. In this study, ~5 µm or ~75 µm SiC particulates were preplaced on a microalloyed steel. Single track surface zones were melted by a tungsten inert gas torch, and the effect of two heat inputs, 420Jmm-1 and 840 Jmm-1,compared. The results showed that the samples melted using 420Jmm-1 were crack-free. Pin-on-disk wear testing under dry sliding conditions were conducted. The effects of load and sliding velocity were used to characterise the performance of the crack-free samples. Microstructural and X-ray diffraction studies of the surface showed that the SiC had dissolved, and that martensite, was the main phase influencing the hardness.