Research on Laser Cladded Nickel Based Nanometer Tungsten Carbide Composite Coating

CO2 laser is adopted on the surface of austenitic stainless steel (1Cr18Ni9) to clad nickel based nanometer WC/Co composite coating. SEM, EDAX, XRD, AFM and Scratch Testers are adopted to conduct analysis and research on the microstructure, composition, phase and bonding strength of the coating. Results indicate that the microstructure of coating is metallurgically bonded with stainless steel base, eliminating porosities and cracks. The coating has a considerable quantity of nanometer particles visible with a granularity ≤100nm under a nanoscope atomic microscope. The bonding strength of the laser cladded coating is remarkably improved respectively compared with conventional hot-sprayed coating and spray welding. The nanometer effect of nanometer WC/Co introduced into the coating plays an important role in the laser cladding processes.