WEAR PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LASER-DEPOSITED NI-BASE COMPOSITES ON 304 STAINLESS STEEL

The amorphous phase (AP) and nanocrystalline particle (NP)-reinforced composite coating was fabricated by laser cladding (LC) of the Ni45-WC mixed powders on the 304 stainless steel. An LC technique favored APs as well as NPs to be formed due to their rapid cooling and solidification characteristics, so the wear resistance of the Ni-base coating was improved. Microstructures and wear resistance of the fabricated composite coating were studied extensively. The test results showed that the microhardness and wear resistance of this LC coating were enhanced under the actions of NPs, APs and the ceramics. The study of the laser synthesis of NPs provided a theoretical basis for improving the LC technique.