Microstructure and wear properties of TiC/FeCrBSi surface composite coating prepared by laser cladding

Titanium carbide particles reinforced Fe-based surface composite coatings were fabricated by laser cladding using a 5 kW CO2 laser. The microstructure, phase structure and wear properties were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, as well as dry sliding wear test. The results showed that TiC carbides were formed via in situ reaction between ferrotitanium and graphite in the molten pool during the laser-clad process. The morphology of TiC is mainly cubic and dendritic form; and the TiC carbides were distributed uniformly in the composite coating. The TiC/matrix interface was found to be free from cracks and deleterious phases. The coatings reinforced by TiC particles revealed higher wear resistance and lower friction coefficient than that of the substrate and FeCrBSi laser-clad coating.