Microstructure and properties of NiCrBSi coating by plasma cladding on gray cast iron

Plasma cladding has been widely applied in surface modification and repairing. In this study, the NiCrBSi coating was prepared on gray cast iron by plasma cladding. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive microanalysis (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to identify the microstructure and phase types of the cladded layer, the bonding zone and the heat affected zone. The microhardness, elastic modulus, tensile performance and wear performance of the cladded layer were analyzed by the microhardness tester, nanoindentation, tensile test and wear test. The results show that typical microstructure of the cladded layer is dendrites of γ-(Fe, Ni), with interdendritic phases rich in B(Fe, Si)3, Cr15.58Fe7.4C6 and Cr7C3. The bonding zone mainly consists of martensite, retained austenite, graphite, pearlite and a small amount of carbide network, while the heat affected zone is mainly a mixed microstructure of martensite, retained austenite and graphite. The Ni-based coating presents a significantly superior microhardness, elastic modulus and tensile strength and wear performance resistance than those of the gray cast iron. In addition, elastic modulus test and tensile test show that the interface between the cladded layer and the substrate has good metallurgical bonding characteristics. •A good quality NiCrBSi cladded layer on gray cast iron was obtained by plasma cladding.•The characteristics of the cladded layer were investigated from microstructure, phase, microhardness, elastic modulus, tensile strength and wear performance and the reasons for the enhancement of coating properties were analyzed.•The interface bonding characteristics were investigated from microstructure, element diffusion, microhardness, elastic modulus and tensile properties.