Effects of Ta on microstructure and microhardness of Ni based laser clad coating

Through addition of Tantalum, fine TaC particles were in situ synthesized in a NiCrBSi alloy laser clad composite coating. Microstructure, microhardness and abrasive wear resistance of the composite coating were investigated. The result showed that TaC particles were dispersed in Ni based alloy composite coating, refining the microstructure of the coating after laser cladding. Amount of coarse primary carbides such as M7C3 and eutectic of gamma-Ni + M23C6 substantially decreased because the formation of TaC particles suppressed the formation of M7C3 and M23C6. On the one hand, fine TaC particles acted as hard phase, which improved the microhardness of the composite coating; on the other hand, a decrease in amount of the coarse M7C3 and eutectic of gamma-Ni + M23C6 reduced the crack susceptibility of the Ni based composite coating. Also, Ta element improved the abrasive wear resistance of the Ni based coating. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.