Morphology and Wear Resistance of Laser-Clad Fe-Cr-Nb-C Alloy Coatings
Source abstract
Abstract
Fe-Cr-Nb-C wear-resistant alloy coatings were successfully fabricated on high-carbon forged steel via coaxial powder feeding laser cladding. The evolution of microstructure and wear resistance with varying Nb content was systematically investigated. The results indicate that appropriate NbC addition markedly modifies the distribution of grain and boundary carbides. As Nb content increases from 2.5 wt% to 3.5 wt%, nanoscale rod-like NbC precipitates form uniformly along boundaries, effectively suppressing the formation of brittle Cr23C6 precipitation. Semi-coherent NbC/matrix interfaces and NbC-induced grain refinement reduce adhesive/abrasive wear, thereby improving hardness and wear resistance. At 4.5 wt% Nb, discrete micron-sized NbC particles form within the grains, yielding optimal performance. However, excessive Nb (≥5.5 wt%) causes NbC agglomeration, inducing stress concentrations and large spallation pits that deteriorate wear resistance. This work highlights NbC morphology as a key factor for tailoring coating properties.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: High Entropy Alloys Studies · Metal Alloys Wear and Properties · Advanced materials and composites
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Vanadium and Titanium Critical Strategic Materials Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Panzhihua University, Panzhihua 617000, China
Sichuan Vanadium&Titanium Industrial Technology Institute, Panzhihua 617000, China
College of Aerospace Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
Funding
Central Guidance for Local Science and Technology Development Fund Projects · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Provincial directional financial transfer payment project · Chongqing Research Program of Basic Research and Frontier Technology
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