In-situ precipitation of TiC upon PTA hardfacing with grey cast iron and titanium for enhanced wear resistance

Titanium and grey cast iron powders were blended and deposited by plasma transferred arc onto mild steel substrates. The powders were injected directly into the arc by a stream of inert gas. The grey cast iron provided the iron matrix and the excess carbon content for reaction and precipitation of titanium carbides. The microstructure of the overlay was analysed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and the respective phases were identified by X-ray diffraction. Microhardness measurements were taken from representative areas and the wear behaviour was assessed under low-stress abrasion conditions. The results show that the addition of titanium produced a significant change in the microstructure of the overlays, increased surface hardness and enhanced wear resistance compared to overlays produced without titanium.

Study on microstructure characteristics of steel in two-body abrasive wear.

This study was focussed on understanding the abrasive wear mechanism occurring in mining and mineral processing industries. The outcome of this research will aim to produce better ferrous alloys to combat abrasion, thereby bringing down the financial losses.