Influence of Power on Interplay of Microstructure and Erosion-Tribo Performance of Microwave Composite Clads

Abstract

Metal matrix composite (MMC) clads were developed through microwave cladding technique on CA6NM substrate using different microwave power levels. The influence of microwave power was investigated on the microstructure, phase evolution, mechanical properties, and erosion-tribo performance of the clad layers. Increase in microwave power resulted in reduction of Cr7C3 phase in clad layers, which eventually decreases the fracture toughness and microhardness of the clad. Clad fabricated at 600 W exhibited highest fracture toughness (11.6 ± 0.58 MPa√m) and microhardness (949 ± 47.45 HV). All clads exhibited highest erosion at 60 deg indicating a mixed erosion mode. Clads fabricated at power levels beyond 600 W, with less Cr7C3 content exhibited severe carbide pullout, thus deteriorated the slurry erosion resistance of the clads.