Microstructure, corrosive-wear and electrochemical performance of laser cladded NiTi–xAl2O3 coatings in 3.5%NaCl solution

Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Al 2 O 3 mass fraction on the corrosive-wear and electrochemical performance of NiTi coating in 3.5% NaCl solution. Design/methodology/approach The NiTi–xAl 2 O 3 coatings were fabricated on S355 steel by laser cladding, and their corrosive-wear and electrochemical performance were investigated using a wear tester and electrochemical workstation, respectively. Findings The wear rates of NiTi–5%Al 2 O 3 , –10%Al 2 O 3 and –15%Al 2 O 3 coatings are 82.33, 54.23 and 30.10 µm 3 mm −1 N −1 , respectively, showing that the wear resistance of NiTi–15%Al 2 O 3 coating is the best. The wear mechanism is abrasive wear, which is attributed to the increase of coating hardness by the Al 2 O 3 addition. The polarization resistance of NiTi–5%Al 2 O 3 , –10%Al 2 O 3 and –15%Al 2 O 3 coatings is 3,639, 5,125 and 10,024 O cm 2 , respectively, exhibiting that the NiTi–15% Al 2 O 3 coating has the best corrosion resistance. Originality/value The roles of Al 2 O 3 in the corrosive-wear and electrochemical performance of NiTi–xAl 2 O 3 coating were revealed through the experimental investigation. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2024-0044/