Characterisation of PTA processed overlays without and with WC nanoparticles

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Nanoparticles
• microstructure
• tungsten carbide
• wear resistance

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

Additional information

Funding

The authors wish to express their gratitude to CONACYT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología) for supporting to J. Molina-Claros.