Effect of Ti addition on microstructure and corrosion properties of laser cladded WC-Co/NiCrBSi(Ti) coatings

In order to improve mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of low carbon steel, various composite coatings are usually deposited on its surface using different methods. Laser cladding is used nowadays very often due to its industrial advantages. Laser cladding forms dense and protective coatings with higher bond strength and increased deposition efficiency then those prepared by other coatings technologies. The present research aims to study the influence of the pulse laser power and Ti addition on WC-Co/NiCrBSi cladded coatings obtained by preplacing the feedstock material on a S235JR steel substrate. The properties of the coatings in terms of microstructure and corrosion resistance were investigated. The microstructure characterization was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDS analysis; the phases identification was performed by XRD technique. In order to evaluate the properties of the WC-Co/NiCrBSi coatings with and without the addition of Ti, hardness measurements and the electrochemical corrosion tests in NaCl 3.5% solution were carried out.