Homogenization of Carbides in Ni60/WC Composite Coatings Made by Fiber Laser Remelting

In the current study, the effect of laser remelting on homogenization of carbides in WC-reinforced Ni60 composite coatings was investigated. Ni60 + 50 wt% WC composite coatings were fabricated on the surface of Q550 steel by LDF4000-100 fiber laser device. First cladding layer was made by rectangle laser spot and then circular laser spot was utilized to remelt the coatings. Microstructure characteristics were investigated by optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy. Elemental distribution and phase constitution were analyzed by energy disperse spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that accumulation of residual WC particles was sufficiently eliminated under the effect of laser remelting. The irregularly shaped carbides in first cladding layer were transformed into well-distributed polygonal carbides by laser remelting. Statistical analysis indicated median size of reinforcement particles decreased from 35.40 to 5.62 µm. Microhardness of remelted region had a smooth profile and decreased by ?50 HV_0.1 than that of first cladding region. Homogenization of carbides in nickel composite coating was well realized by laser remelting.