Structure and properties of nickel-plated CNTs/Fe-based amorphous composite coatings fabricated by high-speed laser cladding

Nickel-plated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as additive phases can greatly improve the friction and corrosion properties of composite materials. Nickel-coated CNTs/FeCoNbBSi amorphous composite coatings were prepared on the surface of a 45-steel shaft by using high-speed laser cladding technology. Results showed that the microstructure was refined after the amount of nickel-plated CNTs increased, but the crystallization remained sever, and the amorphous content decreased from 48.36% to 27.18%. The friction coefficient decreased, and the wear morphology improved with increasing amount of nickel-coated CNTs. The friction coefficient was only 0.22 when the amount of nickel-coated CNTs was 1 wt%. In addition, the bridging behavior of the nickel-coated CNTs at the crack increased corrosion time and improved the corrosion resistance of the coating.