Gradient Structure Generated in Hardox 450 Steel with Built-Up Layer

Abstract

This article investigates the phase composition and the defect substructure of a modified layer built up on Hardox 450 steel by wire containing C, Mn, Si, Cr, Nb, W, and Fe. It is established that, upon surfacing, a high strength surface layer with increased microhardness is formed. Using transmission electron microscopy, it is demonstrated that strengthening of the surface layer can be attributed to generation of multiphase submicron- and nanosized structure with inclusions of niobium carbide particles of submicron size.