Microstructure and properties of Fe–Cr–C hardfacing alloys reinforced with TiC–TiB 2

Different amounts of TiB₂ powder were added to flux cores of wear resistant hardfacing flux cored wires for the preparation of new flux cored wires. Fe–Cr–C hardfacing alloys reinforced with TiB₂ were produced by arc hardfacing. The microstructure, hardness and wear resistance behaviour of the hardfacing alloys were investigated using an optical micrograph, scanning electron micrograph (SEM), X-ray diffractometer, macrohardness tester, microhardness tester and abrasive wear tester. The results showed that, among the hardfacing alloys, a new hard phase, i.e. TiC–TiB₂ composite compound particles, was formed and dispersed in the primary carbides and matrix structures. The TiC–TiB₂ reinforced Fe–Cr–C hardfacing alloys imparted greater hardness and better wear resistance. The presence of TiC–TiB₂ hard phase particles is the main reason for the improvement in hardness and wear resistance of Fe–Cr–C hardfacing alloys.