Microstructure and properties evaluation of vacuum and laser cladding Ni-base composite coatings

WC-Ni composite coating was prepared using vacuum and laser cladding on a 65Mn steel substrate. SEM, EDS, and XRD analyzed the coating's microstructure, elemental distribution, and phase composition. The wear and corrosion resistance of the layer was compared by wear and electrochemical tests. The results show that vacuum and laser cladding coatings could significantly improve the substrate's wear and corrosion resistance. The overall metallurgical bonding effect of vacuum cladding is good. The vacuum cladding exhibited better wear resistance, and the laser cladding exhibited better corrosion resistance. The average wear resistance of the coating was high, and the vacuum cladding process could be selected. Laser cladding could improve the coating's extended wear and corrosion resistance.