Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science SB RAS, Tomsk, Russia:

T. A. Krylova, Researcher, Candidate of Technical Sciences, e-mail: kta@ispms.ru
Yu. A. Chumakov, Researcher, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
M. P. Vasilyeva, Postgraduate Student, Junior Researcher
S. P. Buyakova, Professor, Chief Researcher, Doctor of Technical Sciences

The development of aluminum-matrix composite materials with high strength and low weight is promising for modern engineering, aerospace, and medicine. However, depending on the operating conditions, from an economic point of view, it is not always beneficial to obtain dispersed-reinforced composite materials in their entirety. In this case, it is advisable to apply surface hardening, for example, welding. The method of electron-beam surfacing outside vacuum using an ELV-6 accelerator capable of releasing a beam of relativistic electrons and a mixture of alloying powders for applying thick heatresistant coatings on an aluminum alloy is very promising. A dispersed-reinforced aluminum-matrix composite coating was obtained by the method of non-vacuum electron-beam surfacing of tungsten carbide powder on the surface of an aluminum alloy AMg6. The deposited layer had a thickness of 5.2 ± 0.3 mm without cracks and pores. The coating was examined using scanning electron microscopy. It has been established that interfacial interactions with formation of new phases are observed between the aluminum matrix and WC particles. The reinforcing particles are fairly evenly distributed in the composite coating layer and have a strong adhesive bond with the matrix. Based on X-ray phase analysis, it was revealed that the main phases of the coating are Al, Mg₂Al₃, WC, phases Al₁₂W, Al₄W are also formed, and there are traces of Al₄C₃. Mechanical tests have shown that the composite coating has increased microhardness and wear resistance compared to the aluminum alloy AMg6, which is associated with formation of new strengthening phases Al₁₂W, Al₄W in combination with WC carbide located in the soft aluminum matrix. The obtained research results can be useful for predicting the properties of aluminum-matrix composite coatings of materials operating under increased mechanical loads.
The work was carried out within the framework of the state task of the ISPMS SB RAS, subject number FWRW-2021-0009.
The authors are grateful to M. G. Golkovsky (G. I. Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences) for assistance in carrying out electron-beam surfacing outside vacuum and to A. A. Neyman for assistance in the SEM study of the coating structure. The studies were carried out on the equipment of the Nanotech Center for Collective Use at the ISPMS SB RAS.

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