Abstract: A coated article and method for manufacturing the same wherein an alloy substrate of iron, nickel, cobalt, or titanium base has a diffusion layer formed thereon of an intermetallic boride of the substrate alloy. A coating is subsequently deposited on the diffusion layer, which coating is a refractory, ceramic or intermetallic compound having desired wear and/or corrosion resistant properties superior to those of the substrate.

Abstract: Introduction of boron as a hardening agent for metal hard-facing and the like is achieved by way of welding practices involving a consumable slender rod or wire filler member of relatively ductile material into the surface of which boron has been diffused to leave relatively brittle boride about a relatively ductile core, the slender borided welding filler member lending itself to uncomplicated handling because of core ductility while at the same time exhibiting a high percentage of borided material from which a hard facing can be developed when it is melted and bonds with metal of a body which is to be hard-faced.