Structure and properties of the surfacing layer obtained with a powder SHS electrode based on TiC–NiCr

A surfacing layer is formed on a substrate made of St3 steel by the electric-arc surfacing method. The possibility of application of crushed press residues with TiC–NiCr composition obtained after the SHS (self-propagating high-temperature synthesis) extrusion and characterized by a range of particle sizes of up to 500 μm as a material for manufacturing of the surfacing SHS electrodes is demonstrated. It is shown that the surfacing layer consists of TiC–TiWC₂ hardening phases 0.5–5 μm in size located in the matrix of Cr–Ni–Fe–C solid solution. The surface hardness of the surfacing layer is equal to 68 ± 1.5 HRC and gradually decreases on approaching the metal substrate down into the depth of the material. We also perform the comparative analysis of the levels of hardness of the surfacing layers obtained by using the proposed powder electrode and its commercial analogs.