Microstructure and wear-resistance of laser clad TiC particle-reinforced coating

A TiC-Ni alloy composite coating was clad to 1045 steel substrate using a 2kW CO2 laser. The microstructural constituents of the clad layer are found to be gamma-Ni and TiCp in the dendrites, and a fine eutectic of gamma-Ni plus (Fe, Cr)(23)C-6 in the interdendritic areas. Partial dissolution and aggregation of the original TiC particles during melting of the Ni alloy and their growth during resolidification on cooling are observed. The TiC particles offer significantly enhanced wear resistance, teh degree of wear depending primarily on the debonding removal of the particles