Microstructure and Mechanical and Impact Behaviors of WC-Particle-Reinforced Nickel-Based Alloy Surfacing Layers at Evaluated Temperatures

Abstract

A WC-particle-reinforced nickel-based alloy surfacing layer was fabricated on 42CrMo ultra-high-strength steel. The microstructure and the mechanical and impact-damage behaviors of the surfacing layers at the evaluated temperatures were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and the Vickers hardness tester. Results showed that these WC particles gradually changed from elongated and crisscross needle-like phases to blocks with the increase in impact temperature. Numerous carbide phases (e.g., (Cr,Ni,Fe)23C6) and γ-Ni phases were formed in the substrate matrix. The surfacing layer showed a typical brittle fracture, and the impact energy decreased with the increase in temperature. Moreover, the surfacing layer showed a clear quasi-cleavage fracture morphology without dimples after a 600 °C impact test but exhibited a mixture of dimple fractures and cleavage fractures after the 200 °C and 400 °C impact tests. The Vickers fracture toughness test showed that the average hardness of the surfacing layer after a 600 °C impact test was 383 HV1.0, which is about 0.8 times that after the 200 °C impact test. In addition, the WC particles in the surfacing layer after the 600 °C impact test showed the highest fracture toughness, but the corresponding Ni40A binder phase possessed the lowest fracture toughness.