WC reinforced surface metal matrix composite produced by plasma melt injection

Abstract WC reinforced surface metal matrix composites (SMMCs) were produced with plasma melt injection (PMI) process on low carbon steel substrate. In the middle and bottom of the SMMC layer, the carbides were mainly M 6 C primary carbides. In the top part, the injected WC particles did not dissolve into the base metal. In the second pass, W content was lower in the top part, and carbides appeared as herringbone structure. In the middle part, M 6 C carbides were larger than those in the single pass. W content was higher in the bottom part, and carbides appeared as WC or partially dissolved tungsten carbides.