Fabrication of TiC reinforced Ni based coating by laser cladding

Abstract

TiC reinforced Ni based coating on Ti–6Al–4V was produced by laser cladding using colloidal graphite powder and pure nickel powder. The microstructure was characterised by SEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Microhardness and dry sliding wear properties were investigated, and the results showed that diffusion of the substrate atoms had caused significant in situ growth of TiC and solid solution strengthening in the coating. TiC was polyhedron and petaline shaped. After laser cladding, the microhardness profile presented novel changes with depth in the coating. The TiC reinforced Ni based coating had good wear resistance on ball on disc dry sliding wear testing. Abrasive wear was the main mechanism.