Effect of destabilization treatment on microstructure, hardness and abrasive wear of high chromium hardfacing

Hardfacing metals are widely used in arc welding and plasma transfer arc technologies and industries. However, application of hardfacing in agriculture is limited due to low toughness after weld depositing. This study was focused on destabilization of high chromium hardfacing metal. The hardfacing was destabilized at 900 and 1,000°C in the different treatment time intervals. Destabilization treatment showed precipitation of secondary carbides leading to partial transformation of austenite to martensite phase in the matrix. The results show that increasing destabilization temperature increased volume of carbide phase in austenitic matrix which affects abrasive wear resistance.