Effect of nano-WC content on microstructures and wear resistance of laser cladding Fe-based alloy coatings

Abstract

Three kinds of Fe-based power with different content of nano-WC were successfully prepared on 35CrMoV steel using laser cladding technique. The influence of nano-WC on the macro-morphology, microstructure and wear resistance of Fe-based coatings under different wear conditions was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and three-dimensional non-contact surface mapping. It has been found that a lot of fine grains and equiaxed grains synthesized with the addition of nano-WC. Both the volume fraction of eutectics and wear resistance of Fe-based coatings are greatly increased with a moderate addition of nano-WC, which is attributed to the exist of the partial dissolution of hard and high temperatureWCphase in the composite coating. The wear rates increase more than 2-3 times with the addition of nano-WC range from 5 wt%WCto 10 wt%WC. Hence the addition of nano-WC strengthening phase is an effective and feasible way to improve the mechanical properties, especial for the tribological properties..