Tuning the Composition and Microstructure of Fe-Based Alloy Thick Coatings for Heavy Duty Applications

Thick coatings for heavy duty applications in many ndustrial fields are produced by generating hard layers of Fe-based complex alloys on the critical surfaces. The composition and structure of these coatings have to be carefully tuned in order to generate a defect-free layer after solidification and to meet the expected service conditions. The present study is aimed at investigating and developing improved Fe-based alloys for the above described thick coatings by a careful definition of the microstructural features required to bear service conditions and by defining the optimal compositions to achieve the desired properties. Primary carbide distribution and size as well as steel matrix composition are the main microstructural features that will be evaluated in order to fine tune coating performance in terms of toughness and hardness. The experimental part of the investigation here presented will be mainly concerned to laboratory casting the above alloys and to assess their microstructure and properties.