Effect of various morphology of in situ generated NbC particles on the wear resistance of Fe-based cladding

To improve the wear resistance of Fe-based cladding, NbC particles with different morphology are generated in situ by adding Nb, Cr3C2 and C with different content. The composition of samples and the morphology of NbC particles generated in situ are revealed by XRD, SEM and EDS. The wear resistance is studied by a reciprocating friction and wear testing machine. The wear mode and the wear mechanism of each sample are investigated. The results show that although NbC particles are generated in situ in samples with different Nb, Cr3C2 and C content, the morphology of NbC particles is varied. The wear resistance of samples containing cross-shaped NbC particles is more outstanding than that of samples containing only rectangular NbC particles. In addition, changing Nb, Cr3C2 and C content does not result in a change in wear mode, but leads to the formation of continuous lattice structure of Cr0.19Fe0.7Ni0.11 and Cr23C6 compounds at grain boundaries and a change in the wear resistance. When the additions of Nb, Cr3C2 and C are 11.2 wt%, 8.6 wt% and 0.2 wt% respectively, the coefficient of friction of the sample is the lowest, and the wear resistance is the most outstanding.