In situ synthesised TiC particles reinforced Fe based composite coating produced by laser cladding

Abstract Fe based composite coating reinforced by in situ synthesised TiC particles has been fabricated from a precursor mixture of ferrotitanium (Fe–Ti) alloy and graphite powders by laser cladding. The microstructure and wear properties were analysed by means of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, as well as dry sliding wear test. The results showed that TiC carbides were formed via in situ reaction between ferrotitanium (Fe–Ti) and graphite in the molten pool during laser cladding process. The morphologies of TiC were of dendritic, cubic or flower-like shape; and the TiC carbides were distributed uniformly in the composite coating. Compared to the substrate, the hardness and the wear resistance of the coatings reinforced by TiC particles were significantly enhanced, but the coating possesses a lower friction coefficient.