Effect of cryogenic treatment on tribological behaviour of TiC composite coatings

摘要

Plasma transferred arc (PTA) welding methods were used to produce titanium carbide (TiC) composite coating layers on the surface of 38MnVS6 steel and subsequently deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) was applied to the PTA coating layers. The effects of the TiC powder, different energy inputs (100 and 120A), and DCT on the microstructure and tribological performance were investigated. The microstructure of the composite coatings consisted of cubic TiC, unmelted TiC, and iron matrix. The alloyed and cryogenic treated surfaces exhibited decreases in the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate. The average COF of the steel substrate was determined to be 0.373, but for the TiC composite coating layers it varied between 0.236 and 0.33. PTA coating and DCT processes improved the wear resistance 4.5 times compared to the substrate.