Microstructure and wear resistance of in-situ ZrC/Ni composite coating by argon arc cladding

Ni-based composite coating locally reinforced with in-situ ZrC/Ni was prepared on the surface of Q235 steel by argon arc cladding using Zr-Ni-C pre-alloyed powders. The microstructure, micro-hardness and wear resistance were analyzed by SEM, XRD, Micro-hardness Tester, and Wear Tester, respectively. The results show that the excellent metallurgical bonding is formed between the composite coating and the substrate. The main phases of composite coating are ZrC particles and [Fe,Ni] solid solution. Moreover, ZrC particles are dispersively distributed in the cladded coating and the size is 2-4μm. The results of property research show that the average hardness of the coating can achieve at 1000 HV0.2, and the wear resistance is 7.2 times as high as the Q235 steel substrate.