Microstructure and properties of WC reinforced Ni-based composite coatings with Y2O3 addition on titanium alloy by laser cladding

In this study, WC reinforced Ni-based composite coatings with Y2O3 addition were deposited on Ti-6Al-4V titanium substrate by laser cladding. The phases, microstructure, microhardness and wear resistance of the composite coatings were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, microhardness tester and wear tester. The results showed that good metallurgical bonding was achieved between the composite coatings and substrate. The phases mainly were -Ni, TiC, TiB2, Ni3B, M23C6 and WC. Most of the WC was dissolved in small pieces of WC during the laser cladding process. The microhardness of the composite coatings was about 3 times that of the titanium substrate and the wear resistance of the composite coatings had a significant increase.