Antifouling Coatings Fabricated by Laser Cladding

Laser surface treatment is a very useful technology for the fabrication of functional surfaces. In this study, novel antifouling surfaces are fabricated by laser cladding of TC4 and Ni60 mixed materials in various mass ratios on the surfaces of 316L stainless steel substrates. Parametric studies are carried out to investigate the effects of the mixed powder mass ratios and laser cladding parameters on the antifouling performance of the laser clad coatings (LCCs). The antifouling mechanism of the LCCs is investigated by using the water contact angle/surface energy measurement, scanning electron microscope (SEM) surface observation, and phase composition analysis via XRD (X-ray diffractometer) testing. The experimental results show that the LCCs with Ni60/TC4 mass ratio of 3/7 has better antifouling performance in this study. The antifouling performance of the LCC decreases with the increase in laser scanning speed. Surface energy and surface topography have a significant effect on the antifouling performance of LCCs. In order to get the optimal antifouling performance of LCCs, the Ni60/TC4 mass ratio and laser cladding parameters should be optimized.