Publication

Abstract : The effect of process parameters on microstructure and hardness of High Carbon Steel (HCS) surface modified with Cr has been investigated in this study. Gas Tungsten Arc (GTA) was used as the heat source for surface modification process. Cr with a coating thickness of 125μ was applied on the substrate and surface modification was done. The Carl Zeiss metallurgical optical microscope was used for the microstructural evaluation and Vicker‟s micro hardness tester was used for the hardness measurement. Wear test was conducted using a Pin-On-Disc wear tester. Microstructural evaluation showed that grain refinement occurs on the modified layer as a result of surface modification process. Hardness as well as wear rate was taken for the substrate, simply refined and Cr surface alloyed specimens. Increase in hardness was observed after surface modification process. Hardness increased from 320HV to 916 HV after Cr addition. Wear rate decreased with increase in hardness. The results obtained were comparable with that of previous studies. © Research India Publications.