Adhesive wear behavior and microstructure of FeCr–FeMn–FeB–C coatings

Abstract This study employs a high-energy-density gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process to fabricate a surface coating on a substrate of 0.15 percent carbon steel, incorporating powders of FeCr, FeMn, FeB, and graphite. The investigation encompasses a multifaceted approach, utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical micrograph (OM) analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, microhardness testing, and adhesive wear testing, with the aim of examining the composite coating’s microstructural attributes, microhardness, and performance under dry-sliding wear conditions. The research findings reveal the formation of diverse carbides and borides, including Mn 5 C 2 , Fe 3 C, B 8 C, B 4 C, Fe 3 B, Fe 7 C 3 , FeB, and MnB on the coated surfaces. Notably, the graphite particles within the FeB–FeMn–FeCr–C composite TIG welding coatings exhibit a range of morphologies, varying from sheet-like to dendritic structures.