Study on the structure of hard composite layers from iron and tungsten carbide powders

Hard composite layers were deposited by tubular electrodes coating using a core of blended powders containing iron and FTC - fused tungsten carbide (eutectic mix of WC+W(2)C). The layers were obtained using different technological parameters for the oxyacetylene flame and for the TIG process. The deposited layers were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, hardness and micro-hardness tests. The interface phases, of reactive and diffusive type, between the carbide particles and metallic matrix were also studied. The carbide particles distribution in the composite layer is uniform. Dissolving phenomena of the carbide particles in the matrix is influenced by the thermal deposition parameters.