Effect of Chromium Carbide Addition on the Microstructures and Properties in Dual Carbide Phases Reinforced Ni-Based Composite Coatings by Plasma Cladding.

CrC-modified NiCr-TiC composite coatings were prepared using the plasma spraying technique for different CrC contents on the microstructure and the properties of the Ni-based TiC cladding layer were investigated. The microstructures of the coatings were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, and the friction and wear performance of the coating was evaluated by the wear tests. The results revealed that the surfaces of the CrC-modified NiCr-TiC composite coatings with varying CrC contents were dense and smooth. TiC was uniformly distributed throughout the entire coating, forming a gradient interface between the binder phase of the Ni-based alloy and the hard phase of TiC. At high temperatures, CrC decomposes, with some chromium diffusing and forming complex carbides around TiC, some chromium solubilizes with Fe, Ni, and other elements. An increase in chromium carbide content leads to an upward trend in hardness. The measured hardness of the coatings ranged from 600 to 850 HV3 and tended to increase with increasing CrC content. When the mass fraction of CrC reached 30%, the hardness increased to 850 HV3, and the cracks and defects were observed in the coating, resulting in a wear resistance decline.