Metal matrix composite (MMC) claddings can be effectively used in severe wear working conditions. The present work successfully develops the MMC clad of Ni + 10% WC8Co + Cr3C2-based material on SS-316 L substrate using cost-effective microwave hybrid heating (MHH) technique. The developed composite clads showed the refined microstructure with the existence of randomly dispersed reinforcement particles inside the Ni based matrix. The phase analysis study results of the clad region revealed the formation of various hard phases of Co3W3C4, Cr7Ni3, NiC, NiW, W2C, Fe6W6C, Fe7C3, FeNi3 during microwave heating. The hard phases present in the clad region contributed to the enhancement in the microhardness. The mean microhardness of the clad region was observed as 550 ± 40 HV. Further, composite clad exhibited excellent wear resistance than SS-316 L substrate under different tribological conditions.

The present paper reports on the development of metal matrix composite clads of Ni–WC–Cr3C2-based materials through microwave heating route. In this study, metal matrix composite clads were deposited on austenitic stainless steel (SS-316 L) inside a multimode-type domestic microwave oven. Experiment trials were carried out at a microwave power of 900 W and frequency of 2.45 GHz. The optimal exposure time for processing of metal matrix composite clads was varied from 60 to 360 s. The microstructural analysis of processed clads revealed that the metal matrix composite clads of approximately 0.85 mm thickness were free from any type of voids and cracks. The WC and Cr3C2 particles were dispersed inside the Ni matrix. The phase analysis results revealed the formation of Cr7Ni3, NiC, Fe6W6C, Co3W3C4, FeNi3, NiW phases inside the clad layer. The formation of hard carbide phases resulted in higher microhardness of the clad layer. The average value of Vicker’s microhardness was observed to be 503 ± 34 HV, which is almost 1.6 times that of the substrate.

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