Synthesis of Al–Mg–WC composite coating by relativistic electron beam.

• Al–Mg–WC composite coating obtained by non-vacuum electron-beam cladding. • Alloying of Al–6 %Mg with WC particles leads to the formation of Al 12 W, Al 4 W phases. • Density, structure, microhardness and wear resistance of aluminum matrix composite. The composite coating with a thickness of 5.2 ± 0.3 mm was obtained by non-vacuum electron-beam cladding of WC powder on an Al–6 % Mg alloy. A highly concentrated relativistic electron beam exposure to the alloying system leads to partial dissolution of tungsten carbide in the melt pool, causing interfacial interactions and new phases formation. The microstructure and phase composition of composite coating was studied using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis. The microhardness of the composite coating is 1.3 times higher than substrate material and wear resistance is 1.13 times higher than Al–6 % Mg alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]