Wear behaviour of hardfacing ultra carbide steel grades

In the cement industry, hardfacing is one of the most effective coating procedures. It enhances mechanical properties, thus improving abrasive wear resistance. In this study, Cr₃C₂ was employed as reinforcement for carbon steel. Mechanical testing and surface characterisation techniques were used to study the carbide in terms of its size, shape, and matrix orientation. The abrasion resistance of Cr₃C₂, ultra carbide, and tungsten carbide samples were studied using a standard dry sand/rubber wheel test. The results showed that the formation of M₆C decreases ductility, whereas the presence of Mo₂C and Cr improve ductility and wear resistance. The presence of M₇C₃ carbides and the formation of complicated carbides (Mo₂C) in the matrix led to enhanced bending properties. The measured wear resistance of hardfacing steel was seven times higher than that of alloyed and tempered steels commonly used in the cement industry.