Microstructure and Wear Behavior of NbC-Reinforced Ni-Based Alloy Composite Coatings by Laser Cladding

Abstract

This work aims to evaluate the influence of laser power and reinforcement feeding rate on the microstructure, hardness, and wear behavior of NbC-reinforced Hastelloy C276 TM alloy composite coatings. From a dual feeding system, one-step metal-matrix composite coatings were deposited with 10, 30, and 50% mass feeding of NbC powder with laser powers of 1.5 and 3.0 kW. Coatings deposited with 1.5 kW and 30% NbC showed some degree of porosity due to a combination of NbC feeding rate and melting pool temperature. Laser power and NbC feeding rate altered the melting efficiency and substrate burn-in shape, remarkably influencing the dilution. The composite microstructure was comprised of Ni-γ (FCC) dendrites with interdendritic network carbide which, in turn, ranged from lamellar-like M 6 C to blocky-like conjugated MC-M 23 C 6 carbide. Primary petaloid-like MC [Nb] carbide was formed from a 30% reinforcement rate on, whilst a considerable number of unmelted particles was observed for 50%. The higher the reinforcement feeding rate, the higher the carbide fraction and better wear performance of low heat-input specimens. Synthesis with high heat-input sheds a light on the deleterious effect of the dilution and is not an option to enhance the wear performance.

Effects of Niobium Carbide Additions on Ni-Based Superalloys: A Study on Microstructures and Cutting-Wear Characteristics through Plasma-Transferred-Arc-Assisted Deposition

“…Figure 5 displays the phase compositions of the PTA cladding specimens with different NbC content levels. All superalloy specimens presented distinct diffraction peaks of (111) and ( 200) corresponding to a γ-Ni phase [32]. In addition, the specimens presented diffraction peaks corresponding to Cr7C3, Cr23C6, and CrB phases [26,33].…”

Production of Hybrid Nanocomposites Based on Iron Waste Reinforced with Niobium Carbide/Granite Nanoparticles with Outstanding Strength and Wear Resistance for Use in Industrial Applications

“…Niobium carbide (NbC) has drawn a lot of study interest due to its exceptional combination of great chemical stability, low electrical resistance, high melting point (nearly 3610 °C), excellent thermal stability, and enormous hardness. Its usage as a reinforcing component in the matrix of Fe and its alloys to improve their mechanical characteristics and wear resistance is the most significant of its numerous technical uses [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Additionally, granite dust, a ceramic waste made from granite rocks, is a promising material for use as a reinforcement to increase the above properties of Fe and its alloys.…”

Wear Resistance of In Situ NbC-Reinforced Laser Cladding Ni45 Coatings

“…They have the advantages of high bond strengths, small heat-affected zones, high microhardnesses, and good wear resistance. Nickel-based NbC composite coatings are widely used in the surface strengthening and repair of automotive molds, engine turbines, and combustion turbine blades due to their high microhardness and good wear resistance [11][12][13][14][15].…”