Morphology, Microstructure and Improved Mechanical Properties of TiB2/TiB/TiN Reinforced Ti3Al Matrix Composite Coating with ZrO2 Addition

• Published in: Journal of thermal spray technology 2020-02, Vol.29 (3), p.510-519
• Main Authors: Sui, Xinmeng, Lu, Jian, Zhang, Weiping
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical Chemistry; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Corrosion and Coatings; Machines; Manufacturing; Materials Science; Peer Reviewed; Processes; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Tribology
• ISSN: 1059-9630; 1544-1016
• DOI: 10.1007/s11666-020-00986-y

Ti 3 Al matrix composite coatings were synthesized on a TC4 titanium alloy with Ti, Al and BN mixed powder by in situ laser cladding. Then, the effect of ZrO 2 addition to the composite coatings was investigated. The phase composition, microstructure and element distribution of the composite coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and electron probe microanalysis. Results showed that the Ti 3 Al matrix composite coatings were reinforced by TiB 2 , TiB and TiN phases. The quality and mechanical properties of the composite coating can be significantly improved with ZrO 2 addition under optimum laser power of 1000 W. The microhardness of the composite coatings was 2-3 times higher than that of the substrate, and the wear resistance of the composite coating without and with ZrO 2 addition was enhanced by nearly 4 and 7 times compared to the substrate. The better properties of the composite coating with ZrO 2 addition were mainly attributed to the formation of a ZrO 2 network. The network-like distribution of ZrO 2 provided dispersion strengthening and grain refinement effects. This research is expected to provide a new coating material to obtain high-performance Ti 3 Al matrix composite coating.