On the Influence of Microstructure and Properties of Direct Laser Deposited 50Cr6Ni2Y Coatings with Different TiC Contents

Three 50Cr6Ni2Y + x wt.% TiC (x = 1.5, 3.0, 4.5) alloy steel coatings were prepared using direct laser deposition (DLD) technology. The microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistance of DLD samples were studied. The results indicate that DLD coatings were composed of α-Fe (Fe-Cr-Ti), γ-Fe (Fe-Ni), and TiC. When the added TiC content was 3.0 wt.%, the DLD coating without cracks was fabricated, and TiC particles were well embedded in the sample. In addition, the coating demonstrated the best performance, with a microhardness of 758 ± 23.3 HV0.2, an average friction coefficient of 0.58, and a wear rate of 0.37 %. The addition of an appropriate amount of TiC as a reinforcing phase, on the one hand, had played a role in the second phase strengthening. On the other hand, the diffusion interfaces formed between TiC particles and the matrix allowed some Ti elements to melt into the matrix and formed a solid solution, playing a role in solid solution strengthening. The results could provide a reference for the preparation and repair of laser additive manufacturing high-performance wear-resistant parts.