Microstructure of the Fe-based hardfacing layers reinforced by TiC-VC-Mo2C particles

In this study, the hardfacing alloys with different measures of ferrotitanium (Fe–Ti), ferrovanadium (Fe–V), ferromolybdenum (Fe–Mo) and graphite were deposited on AISI 1020 steel substrates by shielded manual arc welding (SMAW). Fe-based hardfacing layers reinforced by carbide particles were produced. The thermodynamic analysis for carbide and effect of the carbide forming elements on the properties of hardfacing layers were also discussed. The experimental results showed that TiC-VC-Mo2C carbides could be synthesized by metallurgic reaction during SMAW process. Carbides with particle sizes in the range 1–3 μm are uniformly dispersed in the matrix. The hardfacing layer with good cracking resistance and high hardness could be obtained when the amounts of graphite, Fe–Ti, Fe–V and Fe–Mo were controlled within a range of 8–10%, 12–15%, 10–12% and 2–4%, respectively.