Comparison of Mo₂FeB₂-based cermets prepared by arc cladding and vacuum sintering

Objective Comparison on microstructure and properties of Mo₂FeB₂-Based cermets prepared by arc cladding and vacuum vintering were studied. Methods 42%Mo+28%FeB+5%Cr+3%Ni+ balance Fe alloy powder blocks were prepared from industrial Mo powders, FeB powders, Ni powders, Cr powders and carbonyl Fe powders. Metal-ceramic cladding layer (WM-Mo₂FeB₂) was prepared by TIG arc cladding, and metal-ceramic (VM-Mo₂FeB₂) was prepared by vacuum sintering. Microstructure and properties of WM-Mo₂FeB₂ and VM- Mo₂FeB₂ were studied comparatively. Results The results show that VM-Mo₂FeB₂ is composed of Mo₂FeB₂ and γ-CrFeNi. WM-Mo₂FeB₂ is composed of Mo₂FeB₂, NiCrFe, MoCrFe and Cr₂B₃. Area fraction of hard phase in WM-Mo₂FeB₂ is lower than that of VM-Mo₂FeB₂, and its hardness is also slightly lower than that of VM-Mo₂FeB₂, but there are obvious pores in microstructure of VM-Mo₂FeB₂, which affects its properties. WM-Mo₂FeB₂ has no obvious pores and the microstructure is compact. It has good metallurgical bonding with base material and wear resistance is better than that of VM-Mo₂FeB₂. Conclusion The metallurgical method of TIG arc cladding with alloy powder blocks to deposit Mo₂FeB₂ cermet cladding on Q235 base material is feasible, operationally straightforward, and adaptable for diverse applications. This approach overcomes the limitations of vacuum sintering, which is only suitable for small, regular-shaped components like cylinders and cuboids, and struggles to accommodate large curved surfaces and oversized workpieces.