Microstructure and wear properties of the electroslag remelting layer reinforced by TiC particles

The electroslag remelting (ESR) layer reinforced by TiC particles was obtained by electroslag remelting. The microstructure and wear properties of the ESR layer were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and wear test. The results indicate that TiC particles are synthesized by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction during the electroslag remelting process. The size of TiC particles is in the range of 1-10 μm, and the distribution of TiC particles is uniform, from outside to inside of the ESR layer, and the volume fraction and the size of TiC particles decrease gradually. Molten iron and slag flow into porosity due to the SHS process leading to rapid densification and the elimination of porosity in the ESR layer during the ESR process. TiC particles enhance the wear resistance of the ESR layer, whereas CaF₂ can improve the high temperature lubricating property of the ESR layer.