Work

Sustainable hardfacing via gtaw powder pre-placement: in situ synthesis of multi-carbides from recycled WC/TIC inserts cermets

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates a sustainable and cost-effective route for production of a high-performance hardfacing by Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) using recycled cermet insert powders (WC/TiC). The filler was deposited on an ASTM A-36 carbon steel substrate. Despite high dilution rate, the resulting weld exhibited superior hardness, a five-fold increase over the base metal. This counter-intuitive outcome is attributed to the strong reinforcement effect, promoted by the carbide-forming elements in the weld pool, which effectively compensate the high iron content from the substrate. Microstructural analysis confirmed the formation of a complex multi-carbide composite, including partially dissolved WC, stable TiC, and newly synthesized iron-tungsten-carbon ternary carbides (M 6 C and M 3 C) in a ferritic matrix. The complex formation and distribution contribute to the development of durable, versatile, and high-wear-resistant suitable for overlays for severe abrasive applications.

Source: The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

DOI: 10.1007/s00170-026-18283-3

Authors: Poliane de Castro Vieira, Leticia Karolayne Moreira Firmo, Andres Mauricio Moreno Uribe, Ariel Rodriguez Arias, Juno Gallego, José Gedael Fagundes Júnior

Institutions: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), TWI (United Kingdom), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Language: English

Topic: Metal Alloys Wear and Properties

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,990