Interface microstructure and abrasive wear properties of WC-iron matrix composites with Ni, Mo, Fe added to the preforms

Abstract

WC particles with high hardness and high wear resistance were commonly used to manufacture various wear-resistant parts. In this paper, different alloying elements Ni, Mo and Fe were added to WC particles to produce the preforms, and then the cast method was used to prepare the WC-iron matrix composite. The interface microstructure of the composites was observed, and the abrasive wear properties were tested. The results showed that the interface transition layer of metallurgical bonding was produced in the composites under different alloy elements. The microstructure of the composites was mainly contained WC, Fe3W3C, Fe6W6C, M7C3 and α-Fe, and the carbides of the interface transition layer were Fe3W3C and M7C3. The width of interface transition layer was significantly different, and the width was the largest with Ni added. The work of adsorption between WC (0001) and Fe3W3C (100) was obtained by first principles calculation as 0.0086 (J/m2) and the interfacial energy as 6.8202 (J/m2). Compared with Fe and Mo, the composite with Ni addition has the smallest wear weight loss and the best wear resistance, which was mainly related to the hardness of different zones of the composite and the interface transition layer formed after adding alloy elements.