Title: Effect of variation of ceramic reinforcement content on metallurgical and cavitation erosion behaviour of microwave processed composite clads

Authors: Sandeep Bansal; Sarbjeet Kaushal; Dheeraj Gupta; Vivek Jain

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, Haryana, India ' Mechanical Engineering Department, Gulzar Group of Institutions, Khanna, Punjab, India ' Mechanical Engineering Department, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab, India ' Mechanical Engineering Department, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab, India

Abstract: The effect of varying (0%-30% by weight) reinforcement (Cr₃C₂) on the different characteristics of microwave processed composite clads (Ni-based (EWAC) matrix) was determined. The microstructure of composite clads showed growth of randomly orientated lamellar bands (Cr-Fe-C) rich phase in the Ni-Fe-Cr rich matrix, which confirmed the metallurgical bonding of clads with substrate. Higher microhardness values, with a lower standard deviation, were observed in the 30% Cr₃C₂ reinforced clad. Excellent cavitation erosion resistance of EWAC + 30% Cr₃C₂ composite clads, among all other clads and substrate samples, was observed. Synergy of higher microhardness and toughness resulted in significant improvement in the cavitation erosion resistance. Formation of pits, craters and plastic deformations were mainly responsible for the cavitation erosion failure of clads and substrate samples. The transition of damage from ductile mode to dual (brittle and ductile), and further brittle mode was observed with increase in weight percentage of reinforcement.

Keywords: cavitation erosion; metal-ceramic composite; characterisation; microwave processing; surface modification.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2023.130158

International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering, 2023 Vol.17 No.2, pp.121 - 140

Received: 24 Sep 2022
Accepted: 26 Nov 2022
Published online: 05 Apr 2023 *

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