In-situ synthesis and wear performance of TiC particle reinforced composite coating on alloy Ti6Al4V

A TiC particle dispersively reinforced composite coating on alloy Ti6Al4V has successfully been synthesized by YAG pulse laser induced melting and reaction of a powder mixture, which consisted of pure Ti and Cr2C3 and promptly pre-placed on the alloy surface. Tt follows that with help of optimal process parameters and a suitable composition of the powder mixture, a composite coating can be obtained with the features of good metallurgical bonding with the alloy, and of graded distribution of the fine dispersive particles of TiC in the coating matrix. The TiC particle showed good wettability and compatibility with the matrix of the coating with a sharp and clear interface between them. The microstructure of the composite coating varied with the composition of the powder mixtures and also the laser processing parameters. Furthermore, such a composite material coating offered the alloy Ti6Al4V high hardness and excellent wear resistance. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.