Microstructure and wear resistance of NiCrBSi laser clad layer on titanium alloy substrate

Laser cladding of NiCrBSi powders on Ti-6Al-4V alloy substrate was performed, and microstructure, microhardness and wear resistance of the clad layers were evaluated. Results show that the laser clad layer is divided into three regions: the clad, the dilution and the heat-affected zones. In the clad zone, fine particles of TiB2, TiC and M23(CB)6 are distributed in the matrix of the primary γ-Ni and the multi-phase eutectics consisting of γ-Ni, Ni3B and silicides. Microhardness of the clad zone is very high, being approximately HV 1000. The dilution zone is a mixture of melted Ni-base and Ti-base alloys, and possesses a characteristic of directional crystallization. The heat-affected zone has an acicular martensitic structure, and the microhardness is HV 360–380. Compared to titanium alloy, the wear resistance of clad layer is improved. The mechanism of wearing of clad layer is a mixed type of slight peeling-off and abrasion.