Effects of process parameters on microstructure and properties of in-situ synthesized WC-reinforced Ni-based cladding layer

A novel tungsten carbide (WC)-reinforced nickel (Ni)-based laser cladding layer was prepared through an in-situ synthesis process. The mechanism of the effect of scanning rates and laser power on the microstructures, wear and corrosion resistance of in-situ synthesized WC-reinforced Ni-based cladding layer were analyzed. The results revealed that the optimal in-situ synthesized WC laser cladding process entailed a scan rate of 3 mm/s and a laser power of 3000 W. The generation of WC phase has a significant strengthening effect on the cladding layer, which exhibits outstanding hardness (1261HV0.2). There is no clear linear relationship between scanning rate and abrasion resistance, and the coating abrasion resistance increased with increasing laser power. Furthermore, increasing the laser power improves the corrosion resistance of the cladding layer, while the scanning speed has a minimal effect on corrosion resistance. (author)