Effect of Y2O3 content on Ni60 alloy cladding layer

Six kinds of Ni60 alloy coatings with different percentage of Y₂O₃ were prepared by laser cladding. A metallurgical microscope was used to analyze the morphology of the cladding layer. Scanning electron microscopy and EDS energy spectrum analysis were used to characterize the microstructure and element segregation of the cladding layer. A Vickers microhardness tester was used to measure the hardness of the cladding layer. Finally, a friction and wear tester established the friction and wear properties of the cladding layer. The study results show that Y₂O₃ can significantly reduce the height of the cladding layer and increase the width of the cladding layer; it can also improve the structure refinement and element segregation of the cladding layer. The microhardness of the cladding layer is significantly improved compared to the Ni60 alloy coating without Y₂O₃, thereby enhancing the wear resistance of the coating.