Laser cladding of stainless steel with Ni-Cr3C2 for improved wear performance

In order to improve the sliding wear resistance of stainless steel componen ts, the wear behavior of laser-clad Ni-Cr3C2 composite coating was studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron m icroscopy and pin-on-ring wear test. The average microhardness of the compo site coating increased with increasing amounts of added carbide in the cons idered range. The partial dissolution of Cr3C2 particles in the melted pool leads to carbon and chromium enrichment in the matrix, and hence causes th e formation of much Cr7C3, M-23(C, B)(6) and more CrB in the solidifying st ructures. A higher wear resistance than a single Ni alloy coating is achiev ed in the Ni-Cr3C2 composite coating under the condition of dry sliding wea r, which is closely related to composition changes caused by forming more h ard chromium-containing carbides or borides in the Ni alloy matrix resultin g from dissolution of Cr3C2 Particles. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All r ights reserved.