Interfacial structure of nano WC powder cold planting via laser shock peening onto light metal surfaces

Light metal alloys are extensively used in many industries like aerospace, transportation and shipping industry as structural materials due to their lightness, high strength weight ratio and good corrosion resistance. This can reduce the material/energy consume and recycle the materials for environment protection. However, the surface hardness and wear resistance of aluminium and magnesium alloys are usually poor, which limits their service lifetime for applications. There are some available processes being capable to improving the surface properties of the light alloys. However, almost all of these processes are thermal process which may induce lighter element burning, porosity and cracking. Nano-materials have strong acoustic, optic, electric, magnetic and thermodynamic characteristics because of their quantum size and surface effect. It can play an important role in hardfacing the light metal alloys.Combining the unique characteristics of nano powers and laser shock peening, we have developed a novel p...