Laser Alloying of the Surface Layers of Aluminum Alloys for Improving Their Wear Resistance

The possibility of increasing the wear resistance of components made from AL25 and D16 aluminum alloys via surface alloying of the functional surfaces of the components is considered theoretically and experimentally. The mass transfer within the surface laser alloying (SLA) zone is a complex process due to the following three simultaneously occurring phenomena: the diffusion, thermocapillary convection, and incorporation of coating particle conglomerates into the melt zone during the fast evaporation of their surface layers in the field of power laser radiation. Various experimental schemes are selected using a theoretical analysis. Qualitative, quantitative, and physical studies of the process are performed. Recommendations for the selection of laser treatment conditions are given. The role of the alloying powder particle size is analyzed.