Laser processed Cr–SiC coatings on AISI type 316L stainless steel

Abstract

Laser processed Cr–SiC coatings were produced on AISI type 316L stainless steel substrate using a continuous wave CO2 laser. The microstructure of the laser processed coatings consists of planar growth at the interface, followed by columnar dendrite and fine cellular structures at the core and top surface of the molten zone. High temperature phases such as δ-ferrite, γ-austenite and M7C3 carbides were found in the resolidified microstructure. The microchemical analysis of the laser processed zone showed the presence of high concentration of silicon. The laser processed zone also exhibited high hardness around 1300 HV.