Effect of SiC addition on the microstructures and wear resistance of ZrB2-ZrC reinforced Ni-based composite coatings

ZrB2-ZrC reinforced composite coatings with addition of SiC were prepared by plasma cladding. Effects of the addition of SiC on the microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistance of the fabricated coatings were investigated. Results showed that the coatings were mainly composed of ZrB2, ZrC and gamma-Ni phases. The size of ceramic particles in the coating was affected by the SiC addition. With 20 wt% SiC addition, the microstructure of the coating was refined significantly. Compared with the coating with no SiC addition, the microhardness and wear resistance for coatings with 20 wt% SiC addition increased by about 17% and 65%, respectively. Measurement results of the wear volume verified the positive effect of SiC on the improvement of wear resistance.