The formation of sensitive interface cracks and the difficulty in processing high-concentration Ni-based ceramic coatings via direct energy deposition (LDED) present major engineering challenges. To address these, high-quality In625/ceramic coatings with various mass contents of Ti, nickel-coated graphite (Ni3C), and WC were fabricated on QT250 using two-step laser directed energy deposition (TsLDED). The influence of the Ti/C: WC molar mass ratio on the bonding interface, microstructure, phase composition, and mechanical properties of the coatings was analyzed. The results indicated that grains at the In625/ceramic coating interface formed epitaxial growth, ensuring a robust bond. In situ synthesis of (Ti, W) C, WCx (WC and W2C), M23C6, and other precipitated phases were uniformly distributed, enhancing nucleation, refining microstructure, and improving mechanical properties. The addition of Ti facilitated the transformation of WCx to (Ti, W) C. High Ti and C concentrations promoted eutectic structure formation in the matrix phase, enhancing performance. The In625 + 56 % Ti – 14 % Ni3C – 30 % WC composite coating exhibited the highest microhardness and the lowest friction coefficient, with microhardness 5.61 and 3.6 times that of QT250 and In625 coatings, respectively, and a friction coefficient 0.3 times that of In625. Variations in the Ti/C: WC molar mass ratio directly affected the content, proportion, and type of (Ti, W) C, WCx, γ-Ni, and eutectic structures comprising M23C6, NiTix, Ni2W4C, Cr2Ti, and γ-Ni, influencing microstructure evolution and mechanical properties. The TsLDED process thus enables the preparation of In625/ceramic reinforced coatings with improved mechanical properties.
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