Mechanical Properties and Microstructures in WC-12%Co/Low Carbon Steel Metal Matrix Composites(MMC) Welding Overlay

Metal matrix composites(MMC) consist of metal matrix into which is distributed a second solid phase. The normal intension is to develop a material with superior mechanical properties (for example increased toughness, stiffness and wear resistance) compared to those inherent in the matrix component. In this study, WC-12%Co/low carbon steel MMC overlays have been prepared by Gas Metal Arc Welding(GMAW) according to feeding rate of WC-12%Co grit. The macro and microstructures were examined using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) each other. The characteristics of hardness and wear resistance have been investigated. WC-12%Co/low carbon steel MMC overlays which have been taken good beads without porosity and cracks were manufactured by method of GMAW. Matrix of overlayed surface was seen as fish bone and faceted dendrite structures. It was known that structures were iron tungsten carbides, Fe$_{6}$W$_{6}$C which have been occurred by melting of WC-12%Co grits. After MMC had been tested by block-roll wear test it was known that WC-12%Co/low carbon steel MMC has a excellent wear resistance by exiting Fe6w6c and WC-12%Co grit. The consequence was that region of overlay with Fe$_{6}$W$_{6}$C phase has been showed a model of adhesive wear, but region of overlay with WC-12%Co grit was restrained as a result of mechanism that wear of WC-12%Co grit is not adhesive but fracture.racture.