Abstract This work aims to evaluate the influence of laser power and reinforcement feeding rate on the microstructure, hardness, and wear behavior of NbC-reinforced Hastelloy C276TM alloy composite coatings. From a dual feeding system, one-step metal-matrix composite coatings were deposited with 10, 30, and 50% mass feeding of NbC powder with laser powers of 1.5 and 3.0 kW. Coatings deposited with 1.5 kW and 30% NbC showed some degree of porosity due to a combination of NbC feeding rate and melting pool temperature. Laser power and NbC feeding rate altered the melting efficiency and substrate burn-in shape, remarkably influencing the dilution. The composite microstructure was comprised of Ni-γ (FCC) dendrites with interdendritic network carbide which, in turn, ranged from lamellar-like M6C to blocky-like conjugated MC-M23C6 carbide. Primary petaloid-like MC [Nb] carbide was formed from a 30% reinforcement rate on, whilst a considerable number of unmelted particles was observed for 50%. The higher the reinforcement feeding rate, the higher the carbide fraction and better wear performance of low heat-input specimens. Synthesis with high heat-input sheds a light on the deleterious effect of the dilution and is not an option to enhance the wear performance.

Abstract Laser power influences the range of dilution with the substrate and thus, the microstructure and properties of the coatings. This work evaluated the effect of laser power on the dilution, microstructure, hardness and wear behavior of Hastelloy C276TM alloy coatings deposited on AISI 304L stainless steel and GGG40 ductile iron. The microstructure was comprised of γ (Ni-FCC) dendrites and molybdenum-rich interdendritic regions containing carbides. The coatings showed similar second phase nature and fraction and equivalent hardness and wear behavior for the lowest laser power condition. Otherwise, higher power on 304L induced to a lower fraction of blocky-like M23C6/MC carbides; whilst on GGG40 led to a higher fraction of a predominantly lamellar M6C type carbide. Largely diluted coatings on ductile iron entailed differences in the strengthening mechanisms which led to higher hardness and lower wear rate. Moreover, wear tracks showed surface oxidation which in turn negatively influenced the performance of specimens with low dilution on both substrates. On the other way, with high dilution, this feature was only observed on stainless steel.

ABSTRACT: Chemical and physical properties of soil can be altered with the successive application of liquid swine manure (LSM), also known as slurry. Therefore, monitoring the impact of LSM is essential to an assessment of the potential agronomic and environmental benefits and risks associated with management practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of LSM on the chemical and physical attributes of soil under pasture (Cynodon spp.), located in southern Brazil. Four areas were sampled: three areas cultivated with Cynodon spp. pasture with successive applications of 200 m3 ha–1 y–1 of LSM for three, eight and 15 years; and untreated native forest as a reference. The soil attributes evaluated were: organic carbon (OC), active (pH water) and potential acidity (H + Al+ 3), nutrient availability (i.e., P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn), soil bulk density, macro, micro and total porosity. Successive applications of LSM on pasture reduced soil active acidity, and increased the soil organic C and plant-available N, P, Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn contents. These effects were more intense with time and in the shallowest layers, i.e. 0-10 cm. Excessive increases in P, Cu and Zn in the soil should be carefully monitored to minimize the contamination risks to soil, ground and surface waters. Soil physical attribute changes were more associated with land use (pasture versus native forest) than LSM use, and LSM applications induced slight improvements in the soil structural quality over time.

The Laves phase reinforced CoCrMoSi alloy system has emerged as a candidate material to protect the surface of components to withstand harsh environments under wear and/or corrosion. However, previous reports have raised some concerns and restricted a wider selection of iron-based substrates to be coated, especially limiting the carbon content. This work aims to outline the Laves - Carbides phases in the microstructure and its effect on the properties of T400 alloy deposited on GGG40 ductile iron. Dilution of 26 % ensured Laves formation either as primary or secondary, due to high-silicon substrate selected. Departing from 41 % dilution, the alloy changed to a completely carbide strengthened system. Therefore, for the lowest dilution the coatings hardness is dictated by Laves phase whereas, for higher ones, carbides are the most influent phases.

In order to protect industrial components, cobalt base alloys are applied as hardfacing material through welding techniques. A large number of papers have shown that controlling the chemical composition is a key point regarding the wear and corrosion resistance of coatings. This paper investigated the effect of bead overlapping on the microstructure and properties of CoCrWC alloy coatings. Mechanical properties were determined by hardness, sliding wear and microtensile tests. Bead overlapping reduces dilution during the previous bead melting, which in turn induces lower iron content. From the second bead on, an increase in the amount of interdendritic carbides and solid solution alloying was verified, accounting for the higher mechanical properties of the coatings.

Broadly speaking, the research and design of coatings are generally studied by way of single-track deposits; otherwise, the development of a coated part entails the understanding of how multi-track welding influences the microstructure and properties of the surface. This study evaluated the effect of track overlap on the microstructure and properties of the CoCrMoSi Tribaloy T400 alloy coatings produced on AISI 316L steel substrate. The characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy, hardness and X-ray diffraction. The correlation between the degree of overlap and performance of the coatings was assessed by wear tests. The single track deposits showed hypoeutectic microstructure as a result of high Iron, Chromium and Nickel content. From the second track on, the chemical composition was displaced back to eutectic and then to hypereutectic with overlap of 25 and 50%, respectively. The microstructure dictated the hardness of the coatings (527 – 701 HV0.5) and the lower mass loss rate was measured for hypereutectic with primary Laves phase.

This work assessed Ni-based C276 alloy coatings by PTA with different degree of interaction with AISI 316L and API 5L X70 steel substrates. Track geometry, dilution and microstructure of coatings were evaluated by optical, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Properties were evaluated by hardness and wear tests. Microstructure exhibited austenite Ni-FCC dendrites and interdendrictic regions containing carbides. Dilution from 4,9 to 25,4% for coatings on API 5L X70 leaded to hardness ranging from 283 to 243 HV0,5. Otherwise, dilution between 22,3 and 41,5% for coatings on AISI 316L induced hardness from 267 to 225 HV0,5. Higher interaction with the substrate leaded to 19,8% increase of mass loss rate on API 5L X70 coatings. The slight difference for coatings properties deposited on different substrates indicated that the degree of interaction was the most significant factor.

Liga de Níquel do tipo IN 625 é usada para proteger componentes de turbinas aeronáuticas ou de geração de energia e de refinarias de petróleo, especialmente devido a uma associação de tenacidade e elevada resistência à corrosão. Estas propriedades são associadas com a composição química e com a microestrutura dos revestimentos que dependem dos parâmetros de processo e da composição do componente a ser revestido. Este artigo avaliou o impacto da diluição sobre a microestrutura e propriedades da liga de Níquel IN 625 depositada por Plasma com Arco Transferido (PTA) sobre dois substratos: aço carbono API 5L e aço inoxidável AISI 316L. Diferenças relacionadas à interação com o substrato foram maximizadas pela análise de revestimentos com cordão único, processados com três correntes de deposição: 120, 150 e 180 A. Correlação com a liga de Níquel fundida contribuiu para avaliar o impacto da diluição aos substratos. A diluição foi determinada pela razão de áreas e a dureza Vickers medida na seção transversal dos revestimentos. Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura, Laser Confocal e difração de raios-X foram realizados para caracterizar a microestrutura. Os resultados indicaram que o aumento da diluição com o aumento da corrente de deposição foi fortemente influenciado pelo substrato. Diluição entre 5 e 29% foi encontrada para os revestimentos processados sobre aço API 5L e entre 22 e 51% para o substrato de aço inoxidável com baixa condutividade térmica AISI 316L.Diferenças na microestrutura e propriedades dos revestimentos podem ser associados com a interação a cada substrato. A maior fração de carbonetos promoveu maior dureza nos revestimentos processados sobre API 5L, enquanto a baixa condutividade térmica do aço AISI 316L e o maior teor de ferro em solução sólida nos revestimentos contribuiu para a menor dureza observada nestes revestimentos.

Nickel-based alloy IN 625 is used to protect components of aircrafts, power generation and oil refinery due to an association of toughness and high corrosion resistance. These properties are associated with the chemical composition and microstructure of coatings which depend on the processing parameters and the composition of the component being protected. This paper assessed impact of dilution on the microstructure and properties of the Ni alloy IN 625 deposited by Plasma Transferred Arc (PTA) on two substrates: carbon steel API 5L and stainless steel AISI 316L. Differences due to the interaction with the substrate were maximized analyzing single layer coatings, processed with three deposition current: 120, 150 and 180 A. Correlation with a cast Nickel-based alloy sample contributed to assess the impact of dilution on coatings. Dilution was determined by the area ratio and Vickers hardness measured on the transverse section of coatings. Scanning electron and Laser confocal microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis were carried out to characterize the microstructure. Results indicated the increasing dilution with the deposition current was deeply influenced by the substrate. Dilution ranging from 5 to 29% was measured on coatings processed on the API 5L steel and from 22 to 51% on the low thermal conductivity AISI 316L steel substrate. Differences on the microstructure and properties of coatings can be associated with the interaction with each substrate. Higher fraction of carbides account for the higher coating hardness when processing on API 5L whereas the low thermal conductivity of AISI 316L and the higher Fe content in solid solution contributed to the lower hardness of coatings.

Ligas CoCrWC são largamente usadas para a proteção de componentes que operam sob condições agressivas de desgaste e elevada temperatura. Desempenho melhor tem sido obtido com ligas CoCrMoSi, entretanto, o processamento destas ligas ainda representa um desafio devido à presença de fase Laves frágeis, particularmente quando processos de soldagem estão envolvidos. Este trabalho avaliou revestimentos processados por Plasma com Arco Transferido com as ligas CoCrMoSi - Tribaloy T400 reforçada com fase Laves, comparando a sua soldabilidade à da liga CoCrWC - Stellite 6, reforçada com carbonetos. Os revestimentos foram também analisados considerando o impacto da exposição à temperatura de 600°C durante 7 dias sobre a microestrutura e o comportamento em desgaste abrasivo por deslizamento. A caracterização dos revestimentos foi realizada por microscopia ótica e eletrônica de varredura, difração de raios-X e dureza Vickers. Revestimentos CoCrWC apresentaram microestrutura dendrítica de solução sólida em Cobalto e região interdendrítica refinada com carbonetos eutéticos enquanto os depósitos CoCrMoSi apresentaram uma região eutética lamelar predominante com fase Laves e solução sólida em Cobalto e pequena quantidade de fase primária de Laves. Embora a estabilidade de fases tenha sido observada por difração de raios-X, o coalescimento da microestrutura ocorreu para as duas ligas. A liga CoCrMoSi apresentou lamelas mais espessas de fase Laves enquanto a liga CoCrWC apresentou coalescimento dos carbonetos eutéticos. A estabilidade medida por meio dos testes de desgaste revelou que embora o coeficiente da liga CoCrMoSi na condição como depositada tenha sido menor que o da CoCrWC, a primeira apresentou aumento mais significativo como consequência da exposição à temperatura, 22% perante os 15% da segunda. Os resultados foram discutidos considerando a proteção de componentes industriais que operam em banhos de galvanização por imersão a quente com liga 55AlZn.

CoCrWC alloys are widely used to protect components that operate under wear and high temperature environments. Enhanced performance has been achieved with the CoCrMoSi alloys but processing this alloy system is still a challenge due to the presence of the brittle Laves phase, particularly when welding is involved. This work evaluated Plasma Transferred Arc coatings processed with the Co-based alloy CoMoCrSi - Tribaloy T400, reinforced with Laves phase, comparing its weldability to the CoCrWC - Stellite 6, reinforced with carbides. Coatings were also analyzed regarding the response to temperature exposure at 600°C for 7 days and subsequent effect on microstructure and sliding abrasive wear. Coatings characterization was carried out by light and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Vickers hardness. CoCrWC coatings exhibited a Cobalt solid solution dendritic microstructure and a thin interdendritic region with eutectic carbides, while CoCrMoSi deposits exhibit a large lamellar eutectic region of Laves phase and Cobalt solid solution and a small fraction of primary Laves phase. Although phase stability was observed by X-ray diffraction, coarsening of the microstructure occurred for both alloys. CoCrMoSi showed thicker lamellar Laves phase and CoCrWC coarser eutectic carbides. Coatings stability assessed by wear tests revealed that although the wear rate of the as-deposited CoCrMoSi alloy was lower than that of CoCrWC alloy its increase after temperature exposure was more significant, 22% against 15%. Results were discussed regarding the protection of industrial components in particular, bearings in 55AlZn hot dip galvanizing components.

CoCrMoSi alloys microstructure is affected by processing and their properties have been associated with the high volume fraction of Laves phase. However, not much has been reported on the effect of structure refinement and morphology on the properties of these alloys. This paper evaluates a CoCrMoSi alloy processed by centrifugal casting and Plasma Transferred Arc (PTA) hardfacing, aiming to understand the correlation between microstructure and properties at room temperature in the as-processed condition and following exposure at 600 °C. Characterization was carried out using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, hardness and wear tests. The cooling rates associated with each of the processing techniques used account for the developed microstructures and associated hardness, a 626 HV0,5 cast alloy and 649 HV0,5 deposited alloy, the former exhibiting a coarser microstructure. Wear behavior was determined by the dispersion of solid solution areas in the microstructure and as a consequence temperature exposure aggravated the poorer wear resistance of the cast alloy. The finer phase dispersion formed in coatings overlapped the deleterious effects of dilution and account for the stable wear behavior after temperature exposure.