Effects of TiB2+TiC content on microstructure and wear resistance of Ni55-based composite coatings produced by plasma cladding

TiB₂-TiC reinforced Ni55 matrix composite coatings were in-situ fabricated via plasma cladding on steels using Ti, B₄C, and Ni55 as precursor materials at different proportions. Effects of TiB₂+TiC content of ceramics phase on the microstructure and wear resistance were studied. The results showed that ceramic phases TiB₂ and TiC were in-situ synthesized by plasma cladding, and the ceramic phase content significantly affected tribological performance and the wear mechanism of coatings under different loads. The composite ceramics protected coatings from further delamination wear by crack-resistance under a load of 30 N. Severe abrasive wear and adhesive wear were prevented when the load increased to 60 N because of the high hardness and strength of ceramic phases. Moreover, a compacted layer appeared on the wear surface of coatings with high content of ceramic phases, which effectively decreased the friction coefficient and wear rate. The TiB₂-TiC composite ceramics significantly improved the wear performance of metal matrix composite coatings by different mechanisms under loads of 30 and 60 N.