Microstructure and mechanical property of in situ TiC reinforced Ni-based composite coatings fabricated by ultrasonic vibration assisted laser cladding

Laser cladding TiC reinforced composite coatings have been widely applied for surface strengthening or remanufacturing of critical components due to their excellent wear resistance and toughness. However, since the interface bond strength between the TiC and metallic matrix is significantly decreased because of large differences in thermodynamic characteristics, the anisotropy of ceramic particles and microstructure is significantly reduced, thereby decreasing the sliding and wear resistance. Therefore, this study was conducted to introduce ultrasonic vibration to improve the integrated performance of laser cladding in situ TiC reinforced composite coatings. The effects of ultrasonic vibration amplitude (0, 10, 15, 20, 25 μm) on the phase composition, ceramics characteristics, micro-hardness, sliding performance, and wear resistance of TiC reinforced composite coatings are analyzed in detail. Results indicate that the thickness of ring-shaped (Ti, Nb)C at the edge of the coarse TiC ceramics is increased by ultrasonic vibrations. Besides, the ceramic particle distribution uniformity is also improved by 9.91 %. As a result, the spalling behavior of in situ TiC during the sliding process is significantly decreased, and the wear loss rate is also decreased by 98.16 %. This study could provide theoretical and technical support for industrial applications of the laser cladding in situ TiC reinforced composite coatings. • Ultrasonic vibration-assisted laser cladding was applied to the fabrication of in-situ ceramic reinforced composite coatings. • The distribution uniformity of in situ ceramic was increased by 9.91 % by applying ultrasonic vibration. • The thicker in situ synthesized ring-(Ti, Nb)C the improves the scratch and wear resistance of the composite coating.