Properties of WC reinforced Ni60 coating prepared by high frequency induction cladding

The tungsten carbide(WC) reinforced Ni60A alloy composite coatings on Q235 mild steel were produced by high frequency induction cladding.The microstructure,phases and worn surface of the coatings were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and X-ray diffraction(XRD).Abrasive wear resistance was tested on a MLS-225 wet sand/rubber wheel tester.The results show that the composite coating mainly consists of WC,W_2C,Cr_7C_3,Cr_(23)C_6,Cr_2B,Ni_2B,Ni_3Si and Ni_3Fe.The composite coating is metallurgically bonded to the substrate.The hardness and abrasive wear resistance of the coatings increase with addition of WC content.Addition of WC particles improves wear resistance of coating 2～6 fold compared to that of Ni60A coating.The coating with 50% WC shows the best abrasive wear resistance and about 6.5 times higher than Ni60A coating was observed under same condition.Predominant wear mechanism of the coating is brittle peeling of hard phases and less micro-ploughing.