Microstructure and tribological properties of laser-cladded Co-Ti3SiC2 coating with Ni-based interlayer on copper alloy

The Co-Ti3SiC2 coating with Ni-based interlayer has been manufactured on copper alloy via laser cladding. The effect of Ti3SiC2 doping on the microstructure, microhardness and tribological behavior of Co-based coating is investigated. Results revealed that the microhardness of the Co-based coating increased from 426.22 HV0.2 to 524.40 HV0.2 with the increase of Ti3SiC2 content due to the solid solution strengthening of γ-Co and second phase strengthening of Cr23C6, SiC and TiC. The Co-10 wt% Ti3SiC2 coating has the lowest mean friction coefficient of 0.356 and wear rate of 0.16 × 10−5 mm3/(N·m) at 600 °C. The addition of 20 wt% Ti3SiC2 deteriorates the anti-wear properties of the Co-based coating and causes the largest mean friction coefficient of 0.47 and wear rate of 10.26 × 10−5 mm3/(N·m) at 600 °C.