Development and characterization of Co-Cu/Ti3SiC2 self-lubricating wear resistant composite coatings on Ti6Al4V alloy by laser cladding

• Published in: Surface & coatings technology 2021-10, Vol.424, p.127664, Article 127664
• Main Authors: Zhu, Yang, Liu, Xiu-Bo, Liu, Yi-Fan, Wang, Gang, Wang, Yang, Meng, Yuan, Liang, Jin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Co-Cu/Ti3SiC2 composite coatings; Coefficient of friction; Laser beam cladding; Laser cladding; Lasers; Mechanical properties; Microhardness; Morphology; Protective coatings; Room temperature; Self lubrication; Synergistic effect; Ti6Al4V alloy; Titanium base alloys; Titanium silicon carbide; Tribological properties; Tribology; Wear rate; Wear resistance
• ISSN: 0257-8972; 1879-3347
• DOI: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2021.127664

The poor tribological property of Ti6Al4V strictly limits its application as high-speed moving parts, so three coatings (pure Co, Co-Ti3SiC2, and Co-Cu/Ti3SiC2) were fabricated on the Ti6Al4V by laser cladding to improve the wear-resistant properties. The phase, microstructure, microhardness, and wear morphology of the coatings were characterized to investigate their performance. At room temperature, due to the good synergistic effect between Cu and Ti3SiC2, Co-Cu/Ti3SiC2 coating had good tribological performance that the friction coefficient and wear rate was 0.146 and 1.76 × 10−7 mm3/N·m, respectively. This paper deeply explores the effects of Ti3SiC2 and Cu in the coatings which will provide theoretical basis for enriching the laser cladding material system, and also provides a technical reference for the commercial application of Ti6Al4V. •The Co-Cu/ Ti3SiC2 coating was successfully prepared on Ti6Al4V alloy by laser cladding.•The MAX phase Ti3SiC2 and soft metal Cu simultaneously played lubricating role in the coatings.•The wear mechanisms of Co-Cu/Ti3SiC2 composite coating have also been deeply studied.