LAUSR

The results of analytical and experimental studies of the microstructures of the welded layers of the Hadfield steel (basic and alloyed with Cr, Ni, Mo, and B) have been presented. Layers additionally reinforced by coarse-grained tungsten carbide have also been studied. It has been shown that an austenitic microstructure prevails in the base and alloyed Hadfield steel. Analytical investigations of the coating structure shows the formation of 95–99% austenite and, in the case of the reinforced phase, the austenite content is 50–56% of the material (the remainder is tungsten carbide, cementite, etc.). It has been found that the presence of the strengthening phase of coarse-grained tungsten carbide, which reduces the amount of austenite under the conditions of abrasive wear, may exert both positive and negative impact on wear.