Interfacial reactions between a tantalum thin layer (4 µm thickness) and a high steel substrate (containing 1% of carbon) on vacuum annealing from 600 to 1100C were investigated by X- ray diffraction (XRD), secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The product phases identified by X-ray diffraction are Ta₂C and TaC in a temperature range 800-900C. At T≥ 900C no more unreacted tantalum is detected and the stable phase TaC grows at the expense of the binary carbide Ta₂C. SIMS and AES analyses show that the adapted thermal annealing allows the diffusion of the carbon atoms from high steel substrate towards the thin layer of tantalum, and causes thereafter the transformation of this last into tantalum carbide. It is found, that the interfacial reaction of coating with steel substrate start at 600C, and the formed carbides grow from steel substrate to the free surface of coatings. Observation of surface and cross section morphology by SEM shows a good adhesion of formed coating layer. Finally, we discuss the mechanisms that may account for the considerable performance of these coatings.

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