Enhancing Wear and Surface Hardness: Revolutionizing SS-304 with Microwave-Assisted Cladding of Ni-SiO2 Composite Coatings

Abstract

The present study focuses on revolutionizing SS-304 through microwave-assisted cladding of Ni-SiO2 composite coatings, aiming to enhance wear resistance and surface hardness properties. Meticulous preparation steps ensure effective deposition of a Ni and 15% SiO2 particle mixture onto SS-304 substrates. Thorough cleaning and preheating eliminate contaminants and moisture content, crucial for preventing coating defects. Maintaining material-specific skin depth and utilizing microwave hybrid heating ensure precise and uniform coating formation. Microwave-assisted cladding exhibits a uniform distribution of Ni and SiO2 particles across the substrate surface, crucial for consistent coating thickness and mechanical property enhancement. The surface hardness of SS-304 increases significantly by approximately 36.89% post-cladding, highlighting improved wear resistance. Tribological testing reveals favorable performance, with a wear rate of 0.0026 mm³/m and a coefficient of friction of 0.193. These findings underscore the efficacy of microwave-assisted cladding in enhancing the mechanical properties of SS-304, offering valuable insights for applications requiring enhanced durability and frictional performance.