Effect of WC content on the microstructure and wear resistance of Laser-cladded WC/Ni60A composite coatings

In this study, WC/Ni60A composite coatings with various WC contents were prepared on the surface of the TC4 titanium alloy using laser cladding. SEM, EDS, XRD, microhardness testing, and friction-wear performance testing were performed to characterize the coatings. The results revealed that an increase in the WC content reduced the coating dilution rate and increased its porosity. The microstructure of the composite coating included WC, Ni 3 Ti, Ni 17 W 3 , and Ti x W 1−x species as well as carbides and borides. With increasing WC content, the wear rate decreased, and the wear mechanism changed from microabrasion and adhesive wear to localized adhesive wear. The coating with 45 wt.% WC showed the best wear resistance for the denser and more uniform distribution of its hard phase.