Effect of Tungsten Carbide Dissolution on ErosionWear Resistance in WC/Ni Composite Layer

In the present study, the effect of dissolution of tungsten carbide (WC) particles on the erosion wear resistance of hard coatings created by oxy-acetylene welding process had been investigated. Higher preheating temperature was shown to dissolve tungsten carbide (WC) reinforcing particles and eliminate their high erosion wear resistance. Also, the results of x-ray diffraction clearly showed a significant reduction in the amount of tungsten carbide and the formation of brittle W۲C phases resulting from its dissolution. The hardness of the coating (about ۹۰۰ Hv) was obtained in preheated specimen at the suitable temperature compared to preheated specimens at higher temperatures (about ۱۳۰۰ Hv). Excessive dissolution of tungsten carbide particles along with the formation of brittle W۲C phase due to unfavorable preheating conditions led to a significant reduction (۶۸%) in erosion wear resistance.