Laser surface alloying of medium carbon steel with SiC(P)

Laser surface alloying (LSA) is increasingly recognised as a powerful surface modification tool to enhance the wear and corrosion resistance of engineering components. The present work deals with laser alloying of medium carbon steel with silicon carbide using a high-power CO₂ laser. A processing regime, identifying an appropriate laser power-scan speed combination for achieving defect-free alloyed layers, has been established during the study. The influence of repetitive scans on the alloyed layer properties was also subsequently investigated in a comprehensive manner. Repetitive scanning was found to affect substantially the laser-alloyed zone (LAZ) and heat-affected zone dimensions, as well as the phase constitution of the laser-alloyed layers. The microstructure in the LSA layers was also observed to vary significantly with the number of scans, besides changing quite distinctly with depth in the LAZ. Tribological tests revealed considerable improvement in abrasive wear performance by laser surface alloying, and the results also emphasise the need to control the number of repetitive scans to achieve optimum performance.     

Development of microstructure in laser surface alloying of steel with chromium

Laser surface alloying (LSA) was used to formin situ Fe-Cr-C alloys on AISI 1018 steel substrates. Chromium powders of different particle sizes were mixed together to obtain optimum packing density of the powder deposited on the substrate. The surface was then melted using a 2kW CW carbon dioxide laser. The processing conditions were related to solute (chromium) content, microstructural refinement of the laser alloyed zone and the heat affected zone (HAZ). The microstructure of the laser surface alloyed region was investigated by optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray microanalysis techniques. Microstructural study showed a high degree of grain refinement and an increase in solid solubility of alloying element. This process produced a fine distribution of complex type of carbide precipitate in the martensite-ferrite matrix because of the high cooling rate. An alloy of this composition does not show any retained phase. The nature of alloying and chemical diffusion profile as a function of intertrack separation distance affects the final content of alloying element in the surface layer.     

In situ formation of TiC particulate composite layer on cast iron by laser alloying of thermal sprayed titanium coating

Commercial flake graphite cast iron substrate was coated with titanium powder by low pressure plasma spraying and was irradiated with a CO₂ laser to produce the wear resistant composite layer. The macro and microstructural changes of an alloyed layer with the traveling speeds of laser beam, the precipitate morphology of TiC particulate and the hardness profile of the alloyed layer was examined. From the results, it was possible to composite TiC particulate on the surface layer by direct reaction between carbon existed in the cast iron matrix and titanium with thermal sprayed coating by remelting and alloying them using laser irradiation. The cooling rate of the laser remelted cast iron substrate without a titanium coating was about 1 × 10⁴ K/s to 1 × 10⁵ K/s in the order under the condition of this study. The microstructure of the alloyed layer consisted of three zones; the TiC particulate precipitate zone (MHV 400–500), the mixed zone of TiC particulate + ledeburite (MHV 650–900) and the ledeburite zone (MHV 500–700). TiC particulates were precipitated as a typical dendritic morphology. The secondary TiC dendrite arms were grown to a polygonized shape and were necking. Then the separated arms became cubic crystal of TiC at the slowly solidified zone. In the rapidly solidified zone near the fusion boundary, however the fine granular TiC particulates were grouped like grapes.     

Laser Surface Alloying of (Pre-placed) SiC and Ni-SiC Coating on Commercially Pure Titanium

Results of laser alloying of 100% SiC and 50% Ni + 50% SiC on commercially pure titanium were presented in this investigation. The high hardness Hv800-1200 obtained at 100% SiC and 50% Ni + 50% SiC alloying conditions were due to the presence of various intermetallic phases such as TiC, TiSi, Ti₅Si₃ and NiTi₂. These intermetallic phases present in the laser alloyed surface were validated by EDXRD analysis and the diffusion of Ni, Si, C in titanium responsible for these phase formations was identified by SIMS study. The alloyed layer microstructure consists of dendrites and its density level depends on laser processing conditions. At low level power density the alloyed layer depth was about 0.5 mm with a constant hardness level, whereas at higher level powerdensity the depth of alloyed layer touched a maximum of 1.6 mm with large fluctuation in hardness.     

45钢激光合金化后的组织结构及性能

对45钢激光合金化处理可改善其组织结构及性能。研究了45钢不同工艺条件(功率、扫描速度)下激光处理后的组织结构、成分、显微硬度以及耐腐蚀性能。结果表明:45钢合金化后从表层到基体的区域分为合金化区、过渡区和热影响区,其中合金化区由树枝晶和胞状晶组成;合金化区的显微硬度相对于基体有明显提高,且随扫描速度以及功率的增大,合金化区的硬度增大;45钢合金化后耐腐蚀性能得到了较大的提升。     

Laser Gas Alloying of Titanium – New Possibilities for Severe Wear Loaded Components in Medicine

To eliminate present difficulties at laser gas alloying of titanium as not sufficient control of nitrogen content, inadequate oxygen exclusion and pronounced crack formation tendency, a new technology was developed. It is based on a special copper made inert gas bell that ensures on‐line controlled constant treatment parameters and reduced cooling velocity. So it is possible to adjust the properties of the laser gas alloyed layers. The thickness can be varied between 0.1 to 1.5 mm and the hardness can be adapted to the application in the range of 500 HV to 1200 HV. Such gas alloyed layers have very high resistance against abrasive and sliding wear. An additional hard amorphous carbon layer (Diamor™) deposited by Laser‐Arc technology on the gas alloyed layer can be used for achieving minimal friction coefficients in case of sliding wear. The gas alloyed layer can also be used for supporting other films like TiN to increase their bearing load. Results of fatigue tests of gas alloyed layers are presented as well as results of different wear tests.     

Effect of beam interaction time on laser alloying with pulsed Nd–YAG laser

Abstract

Surface alloying of aluminium with nickel was carried out using a pulsed Nd–YAG laser. The effect of beam interaction time on laser alloying of aluminium with pulsed Nd–YAG laser has been studied. It was found that the beam interaction time of a pulsed laser has a significant effect on microstructure and properties of alloyed layers. The results indicated that with changes in the beam diameter, higher thickness of alloyed layer and higher microhardness are both obtained at a lower effective interaction time. When travel speed changes, the same conditions are obtained at a higher effective interaction time.     

Effect of molybdenum on microstructure and wear properties of Fe–Ti–Mo–C laser clad coatings

Abstract

The AISI?1045 steel surface was alloyed with preplaced ferrotitanium (Fe–Ti), ferromolybdenum (Fe–Mo) and graphite powders using a 5 kW CO₂ laser. In situ carbide reinforced Fe based surface composite coating was fabricated. The results showed that (Ti,Mo)C particles with flower-like and cubic shapes were formed during laser cladding process. The growth morphology of the reinforcing (Ti,Mo)C carbide has typically faceted features, indicating that the lateral growth mechanism is still the predominant growth mode under rapid solidification conditions. Increasing the amount of Fe–Mo in the reactants led to a decrease in carbide size and an increase in volume fraction of carbide but increased the crack sensitivity of the coating. The multiple carbides of (Ti,Mo)C created a higher microhardness and excellent wear resistance than TiC alone under dry sliding wear test condition.     

Rapidly Solidified Microstructure in Laser Alloyed Ni-Al Layer by TEM,STEM z-contrast and HRTEM Techniques

In the present study, laser alloying of electroless Nie P coating on aluminum substrate was conducted using Nd：YAG pulsed laser under the condition of 5.36 109W/m2 in power density and 3.0 mm/s in scanning speed. The rapidly solidified microstructure in the alloyed layer was studied. The results showed that the alloying element distributed in the alloyed layer is inhomogeneous. The dendrite containing relatively high Ni was identified as Al3Ni phase and the areas between the dendrites are rich in Al content. Featureless with cell structure in Al-rich areas was firstly displayed by z-contrast image. Amorphous structure was revealed to exist in Al-rich areas.     

45钢表面Ni基激光熔覆层的耐蚀性能

为改善45钢表面的力学性能和耐蚀性,在相同功率下采用不同扫描速率在其表面激光熔覆制备了Ni基(Ni35A)复合涂层。利用金相显微镜、X射线衍射仪、显微硬度计和电化学腐蚀测试系统对熔覆试样进行组织形貌、相组成、显微硬度和耐蚀性能分析。结果表明:熔覆试样由熔覆层、结合区和基体3部分组成;熔覆层组织细密并与基体冶金结合,扫描速率过大时易形成裂纹;熔覆层主要由FeNi3和Ni3B相组成,不同速率所得熔覆层显微硬度均超过400 HV;扫描速率为500 mm/min时熔覆试样自腐蚀电位提高了40 mV。     

不锈钢表面渗铜扩散复合处理合金层的抗菌性能研究

采用等离子表面合金化及辉光轰击热扩散复合处理技术在不锈钢表面进行了铜合金化处理. 利用薄膜密贴法对改性层的抗菌性能进行了测试. 通过扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、辉光放电光谱分析仪(GDOES)和X射线光电子能谱(XPS)等手段, 研究了铜合金层的微观组织、化学成分分布及抗菌前后表面铜的价态变化. 结果表明, 铜合金层对大肠杆菌(E. coli)和金黄色葡萄球菌(S. aureus)都展现了优良抗菌性能; 合金层表面铜约为5.7wt%, 合金层厚度约2.7 µm; 表面铜合金化不锈钢与菌液接触后, 不锈钢表面的铜元素以铜离子析出, 并且与试验菌种发生作用, 杀灭试验细菌.     

Microstructural study and wear behavior of ductile iron surface alloyed by Inconel 617

In this research, microstructure and wear behavior of Ni-based alloy is discussed in detail. Using tungsten inert gas welding process, coating of nearly 1–2 mm thickness was deposited on ductile iron. Optical and scanning electron microscopy, as well as X-ray diffraction analysis and electron probe microanalysis were used to characterize the microstructure of the surface alloyed layer. Micro-hardness and wear resistance of the alloyed layer was also studied. Results showed that the microstructure of the alloyed layer consisted of M₂₃C₆ carbides embedded in Ni-rich solid solution dendrites. The partial melted zone (PMZ) had eutectic ledeburit plus martensite microstructure, while the heat affected zone (HAZ) had only a martensite structure. It was also noticed that hardness and wear resistance of the alloyed layer was considerably higher than that of the substrate. Improvement of wear resistance is attributed to the solution strengthening effect of alloying elements and also the presence of hard carbides such as M₂₃C₆. Based on worn surface analysis, the dominant wear mechanisms of alloyed layer were found to be oxidation and delamination.     

热轧辊等离子束表面合金化层的显微组织及性能

传统的热处理不能很好地解决热轧辊在服役期内的失效问题。采用等离子柬表面合金化技术对热轧辊表面进行了强化,利用SEM,X射线衍射仪和显微硬度计对合金化层的显微组织、成分、物相和截面显微硬度分布进行了分析。结果表明：合金化层由合金化区、热影响区组成,合金化区域表面较平整,与热影响区以及热影响区与基体之间都形成了良好的冶金结...     

Ordered assembly of alpha-quinquethiophene on a copper oxide nanotemplate

The organic semiconductor alpha-quinquethiophene (T5) is used as the active layer in organic field-effect transistors. We have investigated the adsorption of T5 on the (110) surface of copper and on the CuO nanotemplate formed by the high-temperature exposure of Cu(110) to molecular oxygen. The results were obtained with high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) under ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) conditions. The adsorption of T5 on copper is an important model system because it mimics the active-layer-electrode interface in organic devices. The molecules were observed to adsorb onto both the pristine Cu(110) surface and the CuO nanotemplate, showing a greater affinity for the pristine copper surface. Surprisingly, however, the T5 molecules assembled with a much higher degree of long-range order on the oxygen-passivated portion of the surface.     

Gas Tungsten Arc Surface Alloying of T1-6A1-4V with Carbon

Ti-6A1-4V was surface alloyed with carbon using gas tungsten arc. Microstructural studies on scanning electron microscope showed that in the alloyed layer a cellular/dendritic phase was distributed in the matrix having an acicular structure. Analysis of the alloyed layer showed an average overall increase of 1.45 wt% in the carbon content. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the presence of TiC in the alloyed zone. Electron probe microanalysis revealed that the cellular/dendritic phase was rich in carbon and had about 15 wt% carbon, whereas the matrix was depleted in carbon. We concluded from the detailed studies that the alloyed zone matrix was supersaturated with carbon in which TiC was distributed. As a result of this surface treatment, the alloyed layer hardness increased from 350 to 640 HV.     

铜箔轧制润滑状态与表面质量的研究

使用不同运动粘度的轧制油和在不同道次压下率条件下进行了铜箔冷轧实验。利用激光扫描共焦显微镜(LSCM)和表面粗糙度仪对铜箔轧后表面形貌进行了表征,得到铜箔轧制变形区膜厚比和摩擦系数。研究了轧制油运动粘度,道次压下率对铜箔轧制变形区油膜厚度、表面粗糙度和前滑值的影响,并从膜厚比、摩擦系数和表面质量3个方面对不同润滑条件下铜箔轧制变形区的润滑状态进行了界定。结果表明,轧制油运动粘度γ40≤15mm2/s时,膜厚比λ→0,摩擦系数μ≈0.1～0.2,属于边界润滑状态,表面质量较好;道次压下率20%<ε≤60%时,膜厚比λ→0,摩擦系数μ>0.1,属于边界润滑状态,表面质量较好。为得到高表面质量的铜箔,轧制油运动粘度应控制在10mm2/s左右,道次压下率控制在30%左右,也即,使铜箔轧制润滑状态控制在边界润滑状态为最佳。     

Microhardness and Microstructure Studies on Laser Surface Alloyed Aluminum Alloy with Ni-Cr

Aluminum alloy LM13 was surface alloyed with Ni and Cr of different compositions (in wt.%) at various laser powers (1 kW, 1.5 kW, and 2 kW) using CW CO₂ laser. Microhardness and microstructure of alloyed regions were examined.

The study shows that surface alloying is achieved when the laser power is sufficiently high (1.5 kW). Microhardness increases appreciably when the Cr concentration is increased in the Ni-Cr composition. However, in the alloyed region, large variations in microhardness are observed with depth below the surface of the material. Microstructure exhibits needle structure when Ni-concentration is high and undergoes a phase transformation when Cr-concentration is increased. XRD analysis in the alloyed samples shows formation of intermetallic compounds.     

激光扫描速度对40Ct钢激光表面合金化层组织性能的影响

为了改善金属拉拔卷筒40Cr铜的性能,采用Mo制成合金粉末,用CO2激光对卷筒表面进行激光合金化处理。研究激光合金化的工艺参数,对不同扫描速度下合金化层的质量进行比较并对其组织进行分析。结果表明：激光合金化工艺参数为：功率P=2．0kW,焦距f=315mm,搭接率为40％,扫描速度V=6mm／s,获得的合金化层具有良好的组织和性能,没有裂纹产生,未发现不熔物,组织较均匀。     

EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES TO CUT AND WELD COPPER BY LASER - A REVIEW

This paper reports on the cutting and welding of copper sheets using a CO₂ laser. For the cutting process, the experimental data from tests on 0.2 to 4.0 mm thick copper sheets with a 2 kW CO₂ laser are described. The behavior of the critical cutting speed V, cutting widths a, the product V × b and the melted volume versus the thickness (b) for a 2 kW CO₂ laser using different focusing lenses has been investigated, The cutting speeds have been found to be significant and micrographic examinations have shown that the laser cutting quality is good. The laser welding of copper sheets is possible by overlapping layers of cupric oxide, CuO, with a small quantity of cuprous oxide, Cu₂O grown under laser beam irradiation. This experimental approach, similar to the one used for the cutting process, allows one to increase the copper surface absorption of the laser radiation. The weld tests done in this way have shown a bad quality of the butt joint; in fact, a number of inclusions in the melted zone and growth of the copper grains surrounding the weld have always been observed. Another experimental technique has also been tested using a better coating to increase surface absorptive power without producing weld defects. The first results are interesting, though the research is still in progress. Finally, by using e pulsed Nd-YAG laser and the same coated samples - cited above - some good welds have been obtained.     

Requirements for ceramics in reciprocating engines

Abstract

The microstructure and microhardness of AISI 4340 steel melted by a continuous wave ?Ô₂ laser are examined. The parameters investigated are overlap between adjacent passes, laser power, and scanning speed. After melting, three different zones were observed in the treated surface corresponding to the melted zone, the heat affected zone, and the overlapping zone. The melted zone displayed a fine cellular structure, while the other two zones displayed fine martensite or bainite structures. The fine structure and the high microhardness values, which were measured in the melted zone, are evidence of the high quenching rates which follow laser melting. An increase in the scanning speed and a decrease in laser power resulted in afiner microstructure and higher microhardness, and a reduction in the amount of overlap improved the overall microhardness.

MST/1038