Effect of CeO2 addition on thermal shock resistance of WC–12%Co coating deposited on ductile iron by electric contact surface strengthening

Abstract The WC–12%Co powders with different contents of CeO 2 (0.1–2 wt.%) were deposited on ductile iron by electric contact surface strengthening. The coatings with and without CeO 2 were examined and tested for microstructural characteristic, phase structure, microhardness and thermal shock resistance. The comparison concluded that the proper addition of CeO 2 could refine the microstructure of coatings and increase the microhardness of the coatings. By the small amount addition of cerium oxide (0.5 wt.%), the solid solution strengthening effect and grain boundaries strengthening effect would delay the time of crack formation and propagation in the coatings and enhance the thermal shock performance.