investigation of microstructure and hardness of chromium carbide hard-faced on low carbon steel

In this research, the microstructure and hardness of chromium carbide coating on low carbon steel have been investigated. in this project, gmaw method with chrome carbide electrode for coating is used. optical microscopic images were used to evaluate the microstructure and a hardness test was used to evaluate the hardness. in the microstructure, it was observed that in the initial stage of the solidification process, primary m7c3 carbides form as a result of a monotectic reaction. following this, the residual austenite transforming into secondary m7c3 carbides and ferrite. in the hardness test, it was observed that the highest hardness has been obtained in the top pass of the coating, as a result, the hardness of the base metal has increased from 140 vh to 720 vh.