Ni–WS2–Ti–6Al–4V self-lubricating coating on TC4 alloy by laser cladding

The Ti6Al4V is widely used in harsh working conditions where wear and tear are the common phenomena. In order to enhance its performance and life, the laser cladding took place using Ti6Al4V:WS2: Ni as the reinforcement material. The influence of scanning speed on mechanical and tribological properties like hardness, wear resistance, and microstructure of the cladding parts is discussed. The dendritic, white, and grey phased fine microstructures are observed. The micro-hardness of the clad is increased up to four times (∼1170 HV0.5) of the substrate material due to the formation of a hard Ni–Ti phase. The wear resistance of the clad is exhibited two times higher than that of the substrate. Also, the coefficient of friction is reduced to 0.25 as the adhesion wear mechanism becomes predominant over the abrasion.