Layer formation on the surface of a Cu alloy by applying FeMn powder, using the TIG process, and verifying the wear characteristics of this layer in conjunction with production parameters

Abstract

This study involved applying ferromanganese powder to a specifically alloyed material surface of Cu by using the TIG process. The coating was deposited, inter alia, by variations of the powder volume and current intensity. Spot analyses of those layers were made by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and by employing the energy dispersive X-ray microrange analysis (EDX). Differently increased hardness values were obtained here which depended on the powder volume alloyed on the surface, which was due to the formation of intermetallic phases. The abrasion tests were carried out under dry conditions and an examination was made to study the effects of the production parameters on wear characteristcs. The decrease in wear resistance was successfully attributed to the formation of intermetallic inclusions of the materials, e. g. Al2O3, and MnS. The formation of intermetallic phases the atoms of which are interconnected by metallic bonds such as Cu2FeAl7, thus increased the resistance to wear.