Publication

Abstract : In this investigation, the hardness, microstructure and wear rate of cast iron surface modified with Chromium under different process conditions were studied. For performing the surface modification process, Gas Tungsten Arc(GTA) was used as the heat source. Chromium was electroplated onto the substrate surface with a coating thickness of 125μ. The surface was then melted using the GTA heat source. Hardness measurements were taken using a Vicker’s micro-hardness tester and microstructure evaluation was performed using a Carl Zeiss metallurgical optical microscope. A pin-on-disc wear tester was used to perform the wear tests. It was inferred from the microstructural evaluation that the modified layer undergoes surface refinement as a result of the surface modification process. Hardness and wear rate measurements were taken for both the simple refined as well as surface modified specimens. It was observed that the hardness increased from 230 HV to 930 HV after the surface modification. © Research India Publications.