Effective role of short time furnace heat treatment and laser treatment on the residual stress and mechanical properties of NiCrBSi–WC weldments produced using plasma transferred arc welding process

The present study reports the effect of WC particle (20%, 30%, and 40%) and secondary processes (Heat Treatment and Laser Treatment) on the mechanical properties of NiCrBSi and NiCrBSi–WC deposits. A detailed comparative analysis of As Welded (AW), Heat Treated (HT) and Laser Treated (LT) deposits was made in terms of morphology, interface thickness, hardness, residual stress, tensile and flexural strength. Higher surface hardness was obtained for Laser treated NiCrBSi–WC(40%) deposits as compared to the heat-treated and as-welded deposits. The higher weight percentage of WC particles modified the solidification pattern and stress distribution in the NiCrBSi matrix, which eventually decreased the mechanical strength of NiCrBSi–WC (40%) deposits. In addition, fractographic examinations were used to delineate the various toughening mechanisms present in the post-treated NiCrBSi and NiCrBSi–WC deposits.