Study of Surface Modification of NiCrBSi Coating by Electron Beam Cladding on Inconel 625 Alloy

Abstract

Surface modification of nickel‐based 625 alloy is performed using a vacuum electron beam to improve its surface properties. The development of the microstructure is analyzed through scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The tribometer RETC (MFT‐5000) is used to assess the wear resistance of the modified surface. The results demonstrate that the microstructure of the cladding zone exhibits columnar growth of the face‐centered cubic phase. As the scanning speed increases, the Cube texture s gradually weak, surface hardness increases, and both wear volume and wear rate decrease, thereby improving wear resistance. The maximum surface hardness is achieved at a scanning speed of 400 mm min−1, with a value of 489.8 HV, 1.977 times higher than the substrate. The minimum wear volume measures 0.1518 mm3, and the wear rate is likewise at its lowest point, measuring 0.506 × 10−5 mm3 N−1 m. Compared to the substrate, the material demonstrates an 88.44% reduction in wear rate and an 8.65‐fold improvement in wear resistance. These results demonstrate the significant enhancement of surface properties in Inconel 625, through surface modification using a vacuum electron beam.