Modification of metal structure and properties by electron-beam surfacing of tungsten carbide

By a method of vacuum-free electron beam surfacing of tungsten carbide powder on the plain carbon steel the coatings were formed. The structure, hardness and wear resistance of these coatings depends on specific surface energy of irradiation and the cooling rate of melt. It was shown that the structure 'carbide inclusions in austenite matrix' possesses the best properties. Such structure is similar to hard alloy structure, the functionality of which bases on compromise between the strength and elasticity. Heat treatment of fusion layers results in unification of fusion layers structure and increasing of there hardness and wear resistance. After doping of modifying agent additional increasing of properties occurs. (authors)