Structure and erosion resistance of Ni60A/SiC coatting by laser cladding

The Ni60A and Ni60A/SiC coatings were obtained by laser cladding on 0.45% C steel. The microstructure and hardness of the coatings were studied by SEM and XRD. The erosion resistances of Ni60A and Ni60A/SiC coatings were also investigated. The results show that the structure of different coatings is up to the temperature gradient and solidifying velocity in metal-melting region during laser cladding process. The coatings consist of a cladding layer, in which dendritic crystal and bulky cell-like crystal exist mainly, and a thermo-affected layer. Ni60A/SiC coating has higher microhardness than that of Ni60A coating, which is mainly caused by SiC and complicated phases formed by Ni, Cr, Fe, C and Si. It is obvious from the erosion test that the Ni60A/SiC coating has high erosion resistance.