Laser cladding of stainless steel with Ni–Cr3C2 for improved wear performance

In order to improve the sliding wear resistance of stainless steel components, the wear behavior of laser-clad Ni–Cr3C2 composite coating was studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and pin-on-ring wear test. The average microhardness of the composite coating increased with increasing amounts of added carbide in the considered range. The partial dissolution of Cr3C2 particles in the melted pool leads to carbon and chromium enrichment in the matrix, and hence causes the formation of much Cr7C3, M23(C, B)6 and more CrB in the solidifying structures. A higher wear resistance than a single Ni alloy coating is achieved in the Ni–Cr3C2 composite coating under the condition of dry sliding wear, which is closely related to composition changes caused by forming more hard chromium-containing carbides or borides in the Ni alloy matrix resulting from dissolution of Cr3C2 particles.