Microstructural characteristics and formation mechanism of laser cladding of titanium alloys on carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics

Abstract TC4 coating was successfully prepared on the surface of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRP) via laser cladding technology. The microstructure of the TC4 coating/CFRP substrate interface was analyzed. The results indicated that the molten TC4 infiltrated into the CFRP substrate and reliable bonding of TC4 coating and CFRP substrate was obtained. TiC and a small amount of TiS 2 phases were formed at the interface between TC4 coating and CFRP substrate. In addition, the process for preparing TC4 coating on the surface of CFRP substrate and the bonding mechanism at the interface was put forward based on the basis of experimental observation and theoretical analysis.