Influence of TiB2 Incorporation on Microstructural Evolution in Laser-Clad FeCrV15 + TiB2 Deposits

Vanadium carbide (VC)-reinforced Fe-based hard facings are pivotal in enhancing the wear resistance of tools prone to mechanical damage. This study investigates the impact of titanium diboride (TiB₂) addition (at varying laser power and powder federate) on the microstructure, hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of high-carbon ferrochrome FeCrV15 clad coatings for agricultural and mining applications. Laser cladding techniques were employed to deposit coatings on steel substrates, and the samples were subjected to comprehensive material characterization, including microhardness testing, wear studies, and electrochemical polarization. Results reveal that TiB₂ addition led to visible reactions during deposition, resulting in decreased hardness compared to pure FeCrV15 coatings. Moreover, TiB₂ incorporation adversely affected the anti-corrosion properties of the coatings, although FeCrV15 coatings exhibited superior corrosion resistance compared to FeCrV15 + TiB₂ coatings. Tribological evaluations showed that all coatings exhibited better anti-wear capabilities compared to the steel substrate, with varying degrees of improvement influenced by TiB2 concentration and laser beam power. Overall, FeCrV15 deposits demonstrated superior anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties compared to FeCrV15 + TiB₂ coatings and attributed to increased convergence of carbide particles and higher grain-boundary density. This research contributes to understanding the intricate interplay between carbide reinforcement and matrix structure in Fe-based hard facings, providing insights for optimizing coating performance in demanding industrial applications.