Microstructure and Abrasive Wear Resistance of Metal Matrix Composite Coatings Deposited on Steel Grade AISI 4715 by Powder Plasma Transferred Arc Welding Part 1. Mechanical and Structural Properties of a Cobalt-Based Alloy Surface Layer Reinforced with Particles of Titanium Carbide and Synthetic Metal-Diamond Composite.

Artur Czupryński

doi:10.3390/ma14092382

Abstract

The article discusses test results concerning an innovative surface layer obtained using the cladding with powder plasma transferred arc welding (PPTAW) method. The above-named layer, being a metal matrix composite (MCM), is characterised by high abrasive wear resistance, resistance to pressure and impact loads, and the possibility of operation at elevated temperatures. The layer was made using powder in the form of a cobalt alloy-based composite reinforced with monocarbide TiC particles and superhard spherical particles of synthetic metal–diamond composite provided with tungsten coating. The surface layer was deposited on a sheet made of low-alloy structural steel grade AISI 4715. The layer is intended for surfaces of inserts of drilling tools used in the extraction industry. The results showed the lack of the thermal and structural decomposition of the hard layer reinforcing the matrix during the cladding process, its very high resistance to metal-mineral abrasive wear and its resistance to moderate impact loads. The abrasive wear resistance of the deposited layer with particles of TiC and synthetic metal–diamond composite was about than 140 times higher than the abrasive wear resistance of abrasion resistant heat-treated steel having a nominal hardness of 400 HBW. The use of diamond as a metal matrix reinforcement in order to increase the abrasive resistance of the PPTAW overlay layer is a new and innovative area of inquiry. There is no information related to tests concerning metal matrix surface layers reinforced with synthetic metal–diamond composite and obtained using PPTAW method.

Highlights

Processes taking place during the boring of oil and gas wells and the mining of rock in underground workings are extremely complex and difficult
The deposited layer was characterised by relatively low roughness, uniform surface characterised by relatively low roughness, uniform surface and the symmetric overlapping of successive cladding beads (Figure 9a)
According to Przestacki et al (2014) [57], surface roughness parameter (Ra) of deposits of tungsten carPrzestacki et al (2014) [57], surface roughness parameter (Ra) of deposits of tungsten carbide surface layer obtained using the cladding with Direct Laser Deposition (DLD) method bide surface layer obtained using the cladding with Direct Laser Deposition (DLD)

Summary

Introduction

Processes taking place during the boring of oil and gas wells and the mining of rock in underground workings are extremely complex and difficult. The aforesaid situation results from the mechanical properties of mined ground or rock layers and their inhomogenous geological structure (responsible for the fast wear of drilling tools used in the extractive industry). The properties of structural or tool materials depend both on the microstructure of the core of a given element and the condition of its surface layer. In cases of elements that do not transfer significant loads or are not exposed to intense abrasive wear during operation, the condition of the surface layer is of lesser importance. Tools and machinery elements made of steel are exposed to abrasion combined with high unit pressure, impact loads, a corrosive environment, and high operating temperature [1,2,3,4]

Methods

Results

Conclusion