Effect of Vanadium on Wear and Corrosion Resistance of Fe-C-Cr Hardfacing Coatings

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of vanadium on wear and corrosion resistance in Fe-Cr-C hardfacing alloy. The hardfacing coatings were deposited onto the S235JR steel using metal arc welding method. The addition of vanadium gave rise to the formation of VC and V2C carbides. The increase in vanadium and the decrease in carbon content reduced the size of primary carbides and carbide volume fraction. However, vanadium increased the microhardness of the primary carbide. The vanadium-free coating showed maximum hardness and wear resistance while having the maximum corrosion rate. The optimal vanadium content was 2% by weight to achieve a coating as wear-resistant as Fe-Cr-C alloy without vanadium. Scratches due to abrasive wear and fracture of the primary carbide were observed on the worn surface of the coatings. The addition of vanadium raised the corrosion resistance 3-4 times.