Characterization of laser cladded Zr–Cu–Ni–Al in-situ metallic glass matrix composite coatings with enhanced corrosion-resistance

Laser cladding provides a powerful method for the preparation of metallic glass matrix composite (MGMC) coatings, while the microstructure evolution and the detailed characterization of the coating structure still need further investigation. In the present work, Zr–Cu–Ni–Al MGMC coatings were prepared by laser cladding. The coatings are constituted by Zr&Cu enriched dendrites and Ni&Al enriched metallic glass (MG) matrix. The microstructure evolution and corrosion-resistance of the coatings were investigated. Fine crystalline phases were observed in partial area of the MG matrix, which breaks the conventional thought that the matrix with no contrast in SEM is of fully amorphous phase. The prepared Zr–Cu–Ni–Al MGMC coatings exhibit obvious passivation phenomena and enhanced corrosion-resistance. This work provides a novel insight into the microstructure of the MGMC coatings.