Claddings produced by welding are commonly used to increase the durability of the working elements of agricultural tools. The working conditions that occur during the cultivation of agricultural soil determine the wear intensity (different soil fractions, biological, and chemical environment). It was found that the tested claddings (Fe-Cr-C-Nb system) is characterized by three different layers: hypereutectic (layer I), near eutectic (layer II), and hypoeutectic (layer III). In layer I, micro-cracking and spalling of hard and brittle primary M7C3 carbides resulted in micro-delamination under the impact of larger soil fractions, which increased the wear intensity. Due to the lower fraction of primary M7C3 carbides in layer II, the share of micro-delamination was less significant in comparison to layer I. It was found that niobium carbides are firmly embedded in the matrix and effectively inhibit wear intensity in layer I and layer II. Layer III contained austenite dendrites, a refined eutectic mixture, and also NbC. In this layer, cracks (caused the unfavorable eutectic mixture morphology) were found in the interdendritic spaces at the worn surface. After the penetration of the cladding, there was a "wash-out effect", which resulted in a significant reduction in the durability of the working elements due to abrasive wear.
Keywords: Fe-Cr-C-Nb alloys; M7C3; NbC; agricultural soil; hardfacing; wear; white cast iron.