Arc surfacing layer of hypoeutectic high chromium cast iron (HCCI) expects refiner carbides in the microstructure to improve its mechanical properties. In this paper, Ti additive as a strong carbide forming element was added in the hypoeutectic HCCI arc surfacing layer. Microstructure of titaniferous hypoeutectic HCCI was studied by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electronic microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometer. Furthermore, the M(M = Cr, Fe)(7)C-3 carbide refinement mechanism was explained by the phase diagram calculation and lattice misfit theory. The results show that, the M(7)C(3)carbide in arc surfacing microstructure of hypoeutectic HCCI has been refined with 2 wt.% Ti additive, and TiC carbide can be observed in/around the M7C3 carbide. With Ti addictive increasing, the micro-hardness along the depth in profile section of layer becomes more uniform, and the wear resistance has been improved. According to the phase diagram calculation, MC carbide precipitates prior to M7C3 carbide in Fe-Cr-C-Ti alloy. In addition, the lattice misfit between (1 1 0)(TiC) and (0 1 0)(Cr7C3) is 9.257%, which indicates that the TiC as heterogeneous nuclei of the M7C3 is medium effective. Therefore, the M7C3 carbide can be refined. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.