ABSTRACT
This paper studies the microstructure, phase composition and tribological response of BT22 bimodal titanium alloy samples, which were selectively laser-processed before nitriding. Laser power was selected to obtain a maximum temperature just a little above the αâß transus point. This allows for the formation of a nano-fine cell-type microstructure. The average grain size of the nitrided layer obtained in this study was 300-400 nm, and 30-100 nm for some smaller cells. The width of the "microchannels" between some of them was 2-5 nm. This microstructure was detected on both the intact surface and the wear track. XRD tests proved the prevailing formation of Ti2N. The thickness of the nitride layer was 15-20 µm between the laser spots, and 50 µm below them, with a maximum surface hardness of 1190 HV0.01. Microstructure analyses revealed nitrogen diffusion along the grain boundaries. Tribological studies were performed using a PoD tribometer in dry sliding conditions, with a counterpart fabricated from untreated titanium alloy BT22. The comparative wear test indicates the superiority of the laser+nitrided alloy over the one that was only nitrided: the weight loss was 28% lower, with a 16% decrease in the coefficient of friction. The predominant wear mechanism of the nitrided sample was determined to be micro-abrasive wear accompanied by delamination, while that of the laser+nitrided sample was micro-abrasive wear. The cellular microstructure of the nitrided layer obtained after the combined laser-thermochemical processing helps to withstand substrate deformations and provide better wear-resistance.
ABSTRACT
This paper focuses on the microstructure and tribological properties of novel hardfacing alloy based on Fe-C-Mn-B doped with Ni, Cr, and Si. The 4 mm-thick coating was deposited on the AISI 1045 carbon steel by the MIG-welding method using flux-cored wires in three passes. The transition zone thickness between the weld layers was ~80 µm, and the width of the substrate-coating interface was 5-10 µm. The following coating constituents were detected: coarser elongated M2B borides, finer particles of Cr7C3 carbides, and an Fe-based matrix consisting of ferrite and austenite. The nanohardness of the matrix was ~5-6 GPa, carbides ~16-19 GPa, and borides 22-23 GPa. A high cooling rate during coating fabrication leads to the formation of a fine mesh of M7C3 carbides; borides grow in the direction of heat removal, from the substrate to the friction surface, while in the transition zone, carbides become coarser. The dry sliding friction tests using a tribometer in PoD configuration were carried out at contact pressure 4, 7, 10, and 15 MPa against the AISI 1045 carbon steel (water-quenched and low-tempered, 50-52 HRC). The leading wear phenomenon at 4 and 7 MPa is fatigue, and at 10 and 15 MPa it is oxidation and delamination.
ABSTRACT
In this study, we analyzed the quaternary Fe-C-Mn-B system to create new eutectic cast alloys for coating deposition and additive manufacturing. Experimental samples were fabricated via the wire arc manufacturing method with argon shielding using Kemppi Pro 5200 Evolution equipment. Annealing was performed in a vacuum electric furnace at 1273 K for 350 h. For phase analyses, Jeol Superprobe 733 equipment was used. Metallographic and differential thermal analyses were used to reveal the eutectic structure of the samples. Examinations of the quaternary Fe-C-Mn-B system demonstrated that several eutectic alloys existed in the system. Four isothermal pseudo-ternary sections of the Fe-C-Mn-B system were studied: "Fe3B"-Fe3C-"Fe3Mn"; Fe2B-"Fe2C"-"Fe2Mn"; "Fe3B"-Fe3C-"Fe1.2Mn"; "Fe23B6"-"Fe23C6"-"Fe23Mn". Broad eutectic concentrations enabled us to overcome parameter fluctuations during additive manufacturing. In each isothermal section, two dissimilar phase regions were determined: one with a ternary Fe-C-B composition and the other with a ternary Fe-C-Mn composition. Depending on the manganese content, two types of solid solutions could be formed: (Fe, Mn)α or (Fe, Mn)γ.
