Microstructure and wear properties of Fe–VC–Cr7C3 composite coating on surface of cast steel

An Fe–VC–Cr7C3 composite coating on the surface of cast steel was produced by a novel metal-coated casting technique. The microstructure and wear properties of the product were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, electron beam probe, scanning electron microscopy, and wear testing. The results show that the composite coating consisted of VC and Cr7C3 as the reinforcing phases and α-Fe as the matrix. The composite coating was metallurgically bonded to the cast steel substrate. The quantity of VC and Cr7C3 carbides decreased gradually from the top surface of the composite coating to the cast steel substrate. The Fe–VC–Cr7C3 composite coating displayed excellent wear-resistance under dry sliding wear test conditions.