Laser composite surfacing of copper for improved tribological properties

Copper and its alloys are important engineering materials because of their excellent thermal and electrical conductivities. However, a relatively poor resistance to wear and erosion restrict its wide ranging applications. In the present study, commercially pure copper ( of dimensions 20 x 20 x 10 mu m) was subjected to laser composite surfacing by melting the surface of sand blasted copper using a continuous wave CO2 laser and simultaneous deposition of a mixture of K2TiF6 and KBF6 ( in the weight ratio of 2 : 1) on the surface of molten copper. Following laser processing, a detailed study of the microstructure and phases of the surface layer was carried out and correlated with laser parameters. The mechanical ( microhardness and wear resistance) properties of the surface layer were evaluated.