Effect of CeO2 Content on Microstructure and Wear Resistance of Laser-Cladded Ni-Based Composite Coating

In order to improve the wear resistance of 45 steel, in this study, WC/Ni60 composite coatings with different CeO2 additions (0, 1, 2, and 3 wt%) were prepared on 45 steel by the laser cladding technique; the experimental analysis was carried out by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), a Vickers hardness tester, and a friction and wear tester. The results show that CeO2 had little effect on the phase composition of the coatings; however, with the increase in CeO2 content, the CeO2 played a key role in refining the grains of the coating, thus reducing the generation of cracks. In addition, CeO2 could effectively strengthen the internal structure of the coating and improve its microhardness and wear resistance. Particularly noteworthy is the observed reduction in both the friction coefficient and mass loss of the coating when the CeO2 addition reached 2%. This suggests an enhancement in the tribological performance of the coating at this concentration.