The effects of welding parameters on wear performance of clad layer with TiC ceramic

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to test whether TiC clad layer deposited on carbon steel by gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) improves carbon steel substrate wear resistance. Design/methodology/approach - Cladding microstructure and cladded surface hardness were tested in samples prepared under varying welding parameters. The chemical composition, microstructure and surface morphology of the cladded layer were analyzed by optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The wear behavior of the cladded layer was studied with a block-on-ring tribometer. Wear mechanisms in the specimens are discussed based on microscopic study of wear surface characteristics. Findings - The experimental results revealed an excellent metallurgical bond between the composite coating and substrate. Hardness was increased from HRb 6.6 in the substrate to HRb 65 in the modified layer due to the presence of the hard TiC phase. Experimental comparison of varying welding parameters revealed that welding speed and current had the largest effect on the hardness and wear resistance of the cladded layer. Originality/value - The paper shows that by using cladding techniques to improve surface properties such as resistances to wear, corrosion, and oxidation, service life can be increased, and machinery costs can be reduced.