Wear resistance of austenite-TiC-graphite microstructures prepared by laser coating

Cast iron was laser coated with a nickel based covered electrode. The cover material consisted of titanium, cobalt, carbon, rare earth, and slag formi ng powders, The laser coated layer included substantial amounts of austenit e, some TIC particles, and nodular graphite, as well as small quantities of austenite - Fe3C eutectic, Sliding wear tests were carried out to evaluate the wear properties of the microstructures. The effects of alloying elemen ts and microstructures on wear resistance were investigated. The role of au stenite during wear was particularly emphasised by experimental tests. (C) 2001 IoM Communications Ltd.