Effect of TiC Nanoparticles Deposition on UNS S31803 Surface Using Tungsten Arc Melting Method

Abstract

This study focused on the application of nanoceramic particles in reinforcing the surface properties of UNS S31803 steel through the deposition of titanium carbide (TiC) nanoparticles of 5 nm and 10 nm using the tungsten arc melting process. Despite the advantages of UNS S31803, its soft material and low wear resistance are significant disadvantages to its application in engineering. The objective is to determine how various melting processes affect the composite coating layer in terms of hardness and wear resistance. The process involved precise control over tungsten arc melting conditions, with a constant arcing current of 140 A and pulse frequencies of 15, 20, and 25 Hz to achieve a nanoparticle dispersion and distribution. Microstructure, hardness, and wear behavior were analyzed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analyzer, Vickers micro-hardness testing, and reciprocating wear tests. The results indicate that 5 nm TiC nanoparticles, which were treated at 140 A using 25 Hz, achieved the best results with a high element composition of 91.6%, maximum microhardness value of 415.96 Hv, and minimum wear rate of 1.01 x 10-5 mm3/Nm with shallow surface grooves. The present work makes significant contributions to industries that would wish to improve the durability of wear resistant components since it makes a contribution to improvements in sustainability and material science.