Study of Ni₃ Al–Cr₇ C₃ coating fabricated by self-propagating high temperature synthesis casting route

Abstract

A coating on carbon steel was fabricated by a self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) casting route. The process is described in detail. The phases in the coating were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The microstructures of the coating and the substrate were analysed using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and optical microscopy, respectively. The wear behaviour and microhardness of the coating were determined. The experimental results show that the coating was composed of Ni₃ Al and Cr₇ C₃ phases and had a dense microstructure. Metallurgical bonding had formed between the coating and the substrate. The grain size of the substrate near the interface was coarsened. The wear resistance of the coating is better than that of a bearing steel or a Ni₃ Al coating. The microhardness of the coating is higher than that of a Ni₃ Al coating or the substrate.