Surface modification of Ti alloys with WC-TiB 2 -reinforced laser composite coatings

Laser cladding of the TiAl/Fe+Co-coated WC+TiB 2 pre-placed mixed powders on a Ti-6Al-4V alloy substrate can be used to form TiB 2 /α-W 2 C-reinforced composite coating, which improved the wear resistance of the substrate. To further improve the TiB 2 /α-W 2 C-reinforced composite coating, yttria partially stabilized zirconia (YPSZ) was added into the pre-placed powders. A metallurgical bonding was formed between the YPSZ-infused composite coating and the substrate. Many amorphous alloys were produced in this composite coating due to the action of YPSZ, and such coating showed fine microstructure. Thus, it is feasible to further improve the wear resistance of the laser clad TiB 2 /α-W 2 C-reinforced composite coating through the addition of YPSZ.