Surface modification of microalloyed steel by silicon carbide reinforcement using tungsten inert gas arcing

A layer of composite material has been developed on the surface of microalloyed steel by embedding hard SiC particles into the matrix. Reinforcement of particles in a fused matrix was performed by Tungsten Inert Gas arcing on a flux coating containing SiC particles applied on the substrate. The modified surface has been characterized by using optical microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction analysis to confirm the formation of the composite layer. The modified surface was further examined by Vickers' microhardness testing, which confirms a noteworthy improvement in hardness of about 2.9 times when compared to that of the base metal. (paper)