Microstructure and friction parameters of the surface layer of sintered stainless steels

Sintered stainless steel (SSS) is manufactured using the powder metallurgy technology (PM). SSSs are characterized by a two–phase structure which can be obtained by mixing different proportions of the main structural components (i.e. austenite and ferrite). Taking into account the improvement of functional properties of SSSs, a number of surface modifications have been proposed. This study proposes a method to improve functional properties by formation of chromium carbide coating and alloying the surface by the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process. The results of light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), roughness parameters, hardness, and the coefficient of friction are presented.