Preparation and performance analysis of micro-nano composite coatings reinforced with WC particles

Abstract

In order to research the effect of Tungsten carbide (WC) particles with different particle sizes additions in the reinforced coating, the strengthening coatings were produced by the compound process of high frequency induction cladding. The microstructure, phases and basic properties of the composite strengthening coatings were analyzed by means of metallographic microscope and FESEM. It was found that the addition of WC micro-nano particles further refined the grain phase in the strengthened coatings. The average hardness of the coating significantly increased with the increase of nanoparticle composition. The coating hardness of 30% na-WC involvement was the highest, 17% higher than that of 30% micron WC involvement. In the frictional wear experiments, the minimum amount of wear was the coating with the involvement of 20% micron WC and 10% na-WC, 20% less compared to that of 30%na-WC. The experiments showed that the introduction of an appropriate proportion of WC nanoparticles further improves the hardness of the reinforced coating. But due to the agglomeration phenomenon of nanoparticles, the hardness will be reduced instead as the proportion of WC nanoparticles further increased. The appropriate proportion of nanoparticles can effectively improve the wear resistance, but excessive proportion of nanoparticle addition can lead to a decrease in wear resistance. The involvement of 20% micron WC and 10%na-WC is the best addition ratio considering all factors.