Homogeneity, metallurgical, mechanical, wear, and corrosion behavior of Ni and B 4 C coatings deposited on 304 stainless steels developed by microwave cladding technique

The microwave cladding technique for depositing Ni and 10 % B 4 C coatings on 304 stainless steel has yielded significant advancements in material properties and performance. The key findings of this study revealed remarkable improvements, including a 43.33% increase in material hardness, indicating enhanced wear resistance and mechanical properties. This improvement was attributed to the uniform distribution of B 4 C and Ni on the cladding surface, ensuring a consistent interfacial layer developed between SS 304 and the cladding surface without cracks and porosity. Microstructural analysis at 500× magnification unveiled an impressive 2233.35 grains per square inch, showcasing the refined grain structure achieved during the cladding process. Wear testing demonstrated a low wear rate of 0.00308 mm³/m and a favorable coefficient of friction of 0.1981, confirming the material's suitability for applications with demanding frictional conditions. Furthermore, the corrosion behavior of the coated 304 stainless steel was assessed, revealing a minimal corrosion weight loss of only 0.42 mg for the Ni and 10% B 4 C coated sample. The presence of various carbide phases, such as Cr 2 C, Cr 23 C 6, Cr 7 BC 4, Fe 5 C 2, and Fe 23 B 6, within the cladding further contributed to the material's enhanced mechanical and wear properties.