Effect of Y2 O3 on microstructural characteristics and wear resistance of cobalt-based composite coatings produced on TA15 titanium alloy surface by laser cladding

Abstract

The effects of Y2O3 on the microstructure, phase composition of the coatings, microhardness and wear resistance of cobalt-based composite coatings prepared by laser cladding were investigated. The TA15 titanium alloy was selected as substrate which the cobalt-based composite powder with different content of Y2O3 was cladded on. The microstructure of the coatings was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and metallurgical microscope. The phase structure of the coatings was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the microhardness and wear resistance of the coatings were measured by hardness tester and wear testing machine. The results show that the rare earth oxide Y2O3 can refine and purify the microstructure of the coatings, reduce the porosities and cracks and improve compactness of the coatings. Moreover the addition of Y2O3 improves the microhardness of the coatings and reduces the friction coefficient, thus improving the wear property of the coatings. And the wear resistance of the coating with Y2O3 has improved about 50 times; the highest value of microhardness in the coating is HV1181.1. And 0.8 wt% content of Y2O3 in the coating is the best choice for improving the microhardness and wear resistance of the coating. It is feasible to improve the microstructure and tribological properties of laser cladding coatings by adding of Y2O3. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.