A study of tribological behaviour and optimization of WC-10Co-4Cr Cladding

ABSTRACT

The present study examines the effect of processing parameters on the abrasive wear behaviour of WC-10Co-4Cr TIG cladding. A response surface methodology-based central composite design was used to predict the optimized process parameters. Microstructure of the claddings processed at different parametric conditions was investigated through field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used to assess the tribological behaviour of the claddings. The surfaces of worn-out claddings revealed that the SiC abrading particles removed the material by yielding and ploughing of soft CoCr matrix. This results in the loosening and pull out of WC grains from CoCr matrix. However, the cladding obtained at optimum processing condition exhibited the better wear resistance as compared to the other claddings due to the presence of a large number of partially melted WC grains. Improvement in the hardness and fracture toughness also lead to the enhancement in abrasive wear resistance of optimized TIG cladding.

KEYWORDS:

• WC-10Co-4Cr cladding
• microstructure
• abrasive wear
• microhardness
• TIG welding
• optimization
• RSM
• ANOVA

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).