Study on the effect of laser post-treatment on the properties of nanostructured Al2O3–TiB2–TiN based coatings developed by combined SHS and laser surface alloying

A nanostructured, hard and wear resistant composite coating of Al2O3, TiB2 and TiN isformed on low carbon steel (AISI 1025) substrate by combined self-propagating high-temperaturesynthesis (SHS) and laser surface alloying (LSA). A precursor powder mixture of Al, TiO2 and hBNpreplaced on the substrate surface undergoes self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) atthe high temperatures induced by the incidence of laser. The products of SHS are subsequently laseralloyed onto the substrate to form the coating. The high power laser beam is again made to pass overthe coating with a view to remelt the coating top layer. This laser post-treatment causes distinct enhancements in microhardness and tribological performance by the modification of themicrostructure of top portion of the coating.