Structure and Properties of Coatings Obtained by Electron-Beam Cladding of Ti+C and Ti+B4C Powder Mixtures on Steel Specimens at Air Atmosphere

The surface layer of steel was reinforced by electron-beam cladding at air atmosphere. Two types of powder mixtures were used to receive coatings: (1) titanium and graphite, (2) titanium and boron carbide. The formation of heterogeneous structure was observed in specimens after the electron-beam treatment by the methods of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The X-ray diffraction analysis was used to analyze the phase composition of the coatings. The wear resistance level of the coatings was estimated by friction test against loosely fixed abrasive particles. It was found that surface alloying of steel with carbon containing components led to the formation of material with an enhanced wear resistance level.