Development and characterization of Co-Cu/Ti3SiC2 self-lubricating wear resistant composite coatings on Ti6Al4V alloy by laser cladding

Abstract

The poor tribological property of Ti6Al4V strictly limits its application as high-speed moving parts, so three coatings (pure Co, Co-Ti 3 SiC 2 , and Co-Cu/Ti 3 SiC 2 ) were fabricated on the Ti6Al4V by laser cladding to improve the wear-resistant properties. The phase, microstructure, microhardness , and wear morphology of the coatings were characterized to investigate their performance. At room temperature, due to the good synergistic effect between Cu and Ti 3 SiC 2 , Co-Cu/Ti 3 SiC 2 coating had good tribological performance that the friction coefficient and wear rate was 0.146 and 1.76 × 10 −7 mm 3 /N·m, respectively. This paper deeply explores the effects of Ti 3 SiC 2 and Cu in the coatings which will provide theoretical basis for enriching the laser cladding material system, and also provides a technical reference for the commercial application of Ti6Al4V. • The Co-Cu/ Ti 3 SiC 2 coating was successfully prepared on Ti6Al4V alloy by laser cladding. • The MAX phase Ti 3 SiC 2 and soft metal Cu simultaneously played lubricating role in the coatings. • The wear mechanisms of Co-Cu/Ti 3 SiC 2 composite coating have also been deeply studied.