Increased wear and oxidation resistance of titanium aluminide alloys by laser cladding

Abstract

A process layout for laser cladding of layers on substrates of titanium aluminides using state-of-theart and modified (additions of Si and TiB2) TiAl alloys is presented. The process involves a preheating of the samples to reduce thermal stresses and cladding in an inert gas atmosphere with an oxygen content lower than 30 ppm. These conditions lead to crack free layers and low surface oxidation. Microstructure and hardness of the layers are investigated. The abrasive wear resistance of the cladded layers in comparison to the base material is tested with promising results. Finally results of the oxidation behavior are shown and prove the increased performance of modified TiAl layers in comparison to the base material. © (2011) Trans Tech Publications.