LASER CLADDING OF HIGH-TEMPERATURE COATINGS

The processing and microstructural characteristics of nickel-based sup eralloys obtained by high-power laser surface cladding were studied. T he processing variables were laser power, scan velocity and the compos ition of the feeder powder. The initial compositions consisted of a mi xture of NiCrAl (71/18/11% by weight) and NiCrAl plus zirconium oxide composite (66/16/12/4% by weight). Following the process, the clad lay ers were characterized using analytical tools such as optical and scan ning electron microscopy and thickness, substrate/coating interface, c racks and their hardness.