Formation and performance of an Fe-based amorphous-nanocrystalline composite coating by laser cladding and remelting

Abstract

A very important research topic in the area of the surface performance of engineering components, in particular their wear properties, recently has been the application of high quality surface layers on relatively cheap substrates. An Fe-based composite coating with both amorphous and nanocrystalline structures on a mild steel substrate offers a combination of high quality coating and low materials cost, at the same time extending the range of applications of traditional materials. The difficulties posed by preparation of Fe-based amorphous alloys have limited progress for many years. However, the recent development of high power lasers, and of laser material processing technology in general, has made the preparation of a Fe-based amorphous and nanocrystalline composite coatings over a large area a real possibility.