Evaluation of Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Tribaloy based Composite Cladding by Microwave Heating

The act of cladding involves combining clad powder partially with the substrate to form a new protective layer. Development of a unique microwave-based cladding is the present study's main area of interest. On austenitic stainless steel (SS-316), CoMoCrSi + Cr₃C₂ clads were produced by microwave irradiation. Composite clads were exposed to 900 W of electricity and 2.45 GHz radiation for 42 min using a home microwave applicator. Metallurgical and microstructural characterization of the substrate and cladding were carried out. When the microstructures were closely examined, it became clear that the cladding substrate's surface had flawless, uniform grain patterns. Furthermore, the transverse section of the clad showed no noticeable fissures, indicating strong adhesion between the clad particles and substrate. The produced clad exhibits a substrate-significantly increased toughness. Compared to the substrate, cladding has demonstrated superior scratch resistance.