Microstructure and properties of WC-Ni3Al composite coatings fabricated by non-vacuum electron beam cladding

The non-vacuum electron beam cladding technique was used to fabricate composite coatings with WC on the surface of Ni3Al intermetallic. The microstructure and phase composition of composite coatings were studied using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results showed a good metallurgical bond of WC particles with the Ni3Al intermetallic matrix. Addition of CaF + LiF flux mixtures in the initial cladding powder reduces the loss of tungsten carbide powder compared to MgF2 flux during electron-beam processing. Effect of tungsten carbide volume fraction, particle size and shape on the microhardness, wear mechanism of composite coatings was demonstrated. The microhardness of produced composite coatings was 1.3-1.5 times higher than substrate material and wear resistance was 2.2 times higher than Ni3Al.

Automated summary

The study successfully fabricated composite coatings with WC on the surface of Ni3Al intermetallic using non-vacuum electron beam cladding technique, showing a good metallurgical bond. Addition of CaF + LiF flux mixtures in the initial cladding powder was found to reduce the loss of tungsten carbide powder. The microhardness of the produced composite coatings was 1.3-1.5 times higher than the substrate material, with a wear resistance 2.2 times higher than Ni3Al.