Processing of Ni–WC–Cr₃C₂-based metal matrix composite cladding on SS-316L substrate through microwave irradiation

Abstract

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.

Sliding wear study of the Inconel-625 clad deposits by microwave heating on SS-304

“…The hybrid MH approach was used by the research group to modify the surface layer of metallic material by suitable overlaying material. Afterwards, many researchers utilised this technique to enhance the tribological and mechanical properties of the different metal-based substrates by depositing clad material of superior properties onto them [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. Ni and Co based claddings were widely used for tribological applications.…”

A comparative study on characteristics of composite (Cr3C2-NiCr) clad developed through diode laser and microwave energy

“…The developed microwave clads exhibited enhanced metallurgical bonding with the substrate, devoid of cracks or pore formations 12 – 16 . Furthermore, positive results have been achieved in producing Ni-SiC, Ni-Cr 3 C 2 , and Ni-WC-based composite clads using microwave energy on different grades of stainless steel 17 , 18 .…”

In situ surface modification of stainless steel with hydroxyapatite using microwave heating

“…Recently the microwave cladding technique has been successfully utilized for surface modifications of various engineering components used for various applications [23,24].The ability of a material to absorb microwave radiation at room temperature is dependent upon its loss tangent value. The internal heat generation inside the material due to absorption of microwave at atomic level causes significant improvement in mechanical properties of the engineering materials.…”

“…The advantages associated with this technique is the low processing time, environment friendly, low thermal gradient due to volumetric and uniform heating phenomenon associated with this heating. The bulk metallic materials cannot be processed using microwave energy because they are opaque to microwaves at room temperature due to the presence of electron cloud [23,24]. Later, it has been reported that metal in powdered form or bulk metal at a high temperature can be processed by utilizing microwave energy This phenomenon has led to the development of microwave hybrid heating (MHH) [25,26].…”