Abstract This review presents the possible strategies to increase the wear resistance of hardfacing alloys based on metallic matrix and second hard phase’s coupled design. As the wear resistance is not an intrinsic property of material, the results of many wear tests are discussed in light of the interaction between mechanical properties and wear severity, which is dependent on the microstructure. These strategies are based on the hardness increase, considering the kind and size of the second hard phase, the fracture toughness, and the dilution level of hardfacing. The guidelines provided for designing better the hardfacing alloys for usual abrasion conditions depending on the volume fraction of the second hard phase.
Key-words: Abrasive wear; Hardfacing; Carbides