ABSTRACT
Mixtures of Ni-based filler metal without and with 0.5, 1, and 2% WC nanoparticles (NPs) were methodologically tested in order to improve the wear behaviour of WC/Ni-based overlays deposited on low carbon steel by the plasma transferred arc (PTA) process. On adding 2% WC NPs, the longitudinal direction overlay microstructure was modified to have a fibrous appearance. The mechanism to improve WC particle distribution and thus prevent microcrack propagation in the overlays implies a liquid-phase viscosity change. Results of pin-on-disk tests in the overlay using filler metal with 2% WC NPs show that the combined effect of fibrous microstructure and W-rich phases in the overlay, decreases the volume loss by 76% and 78% in comparison with overlays without WC NPs for a 1 and 5 N load, respectively. These outcomes might be of interest for the mining industry, where machinery and equipment are exposed to extreme wear conditions.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
ORCID
J. Molina-Claros http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2381-2672
H. M. Hdz-García http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6651-5750
M. Alvarez-Vera http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6651-5750
R. Muñoz-Arroyo http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6247-3319
F. A. Hernández-García http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8341-6279
J. C. Díaz-Guillen http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7438-8536