Hardfacing of stellite 6 on plain carbon steel and evaluation of the effect of a martensitic and austenitic stainless steel interlayer

In this paper the microstructure, phase formation and Vickers hardness profile of the hardfaced layer of Stellite-6 filler metal on carbon steel were investigated without and with martensitic stainless steel and austenitic stainless steel interlayer. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) cladding was carried out for deposition. The specimens were investigated by the X-ray diffractometer (XRD), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microhardness test. The results show that the microstructure of these claddings includes chromium carbide phases dispersed in the matrix of the Co-based alloy with a dendritic structure. With the increasing of Stellite layers and interlayer, hardness increased and dilution decreased. The dilution of the clad layer by Fe from the substrate decreases hardness, wear and corrosion resistance. The interlayer resulted in a decrease in the dilution of Fe and increase in hardness.