Microstructure and mechanical properties of ZrC modified Ni60 hard-facing alloy fabricated by laser metal deposition

Crack-free specimens were prepared from ZrC-modified Ni60 alloy by laser metal deposition. The effects of ZrC powder adulteration on the mechanism of microstructure refinement were investigated. The results demonstrated that the adulteration of ZrC powder did not provide nucleation sites for the hardening phase. The ZrC powder was added to Ni60 alloy powder to reduce the content of columnar dendrites and the eutectics of laser metal deposition specimens. The transformation of the dendritic hardening phase into a massive hardening phase was induced. The fine Ni–B–Si eutectic microstructure changed to a massive NiZr eutectic and peritectic microstructure with increasing ZrC powder mass fraction. The microstructure transformation mechanism constrained the initiation and propagation of cracks in the deposited specimens. The present research provides a method for improving the cracking defect of laser additive manufacturing Ni–Cr–B–Si system alloys and a theoretical basis for promoting the application of the alloy in additive manufacturing.