Structure and Properties of the Composite SnSbCu–Ti2NbAl Coatings Formed on Steel Substrates by Arc Surfacing

Composite coatings of the SnSbCu–Ti2NbAl system are formed on steel substrates by arc surfacing using a tungsten electrode in an inert gas. The welding materials were composite rods based on a B83 babbit alloy containing 3 wt % Ti2NbAl particles with sizes of at most 100 μm manufactured by extrusion. The structure and the mechanical and tribotechnical properties of the deposited coatings are studied. The cross-sectional areas of intermetallic SnSb inclusions are found to be 100–500 μm2 in the deposited composite coating and from 1000 to 10 000 μm2 in the coating prepared by cast technology from an Sn–Sb–Cu matrix alloy. The geometric shape of the intermetallic SnSb inclusions in the deposited coating structure is found to be rounded, while, in an as-cast sample, it is the equilateral acute-angled. The hardness of the composite coating is higher by 50% and its volume wear intensity is lower by 21% as compared to those for the as-cast matrix alloy; in addition, the composite coatings have good adhesion with the steel substrate, continuity, and defect-free of the fusion line.