Surface Modification of Cr3C2-NiCr Cermet Coatings by Direct Diode Laser Remelting Process

Thermal spraying technology has been used for the improvement of wear resistance, erosion resistance, heat resistance and corrosion resistance. Corrosion, wear and abrasion resistance of the substrate materials were significantly improved by the paint coatings. These organic paint coatings, however, did not endure high temperatures and did not adhere well. Modern high performance machinery parts subjected to the extremes of temperature and mechanical stress, needs surface protection against high temperature corrosive media, and mechanical wear and tear. Chromium carbide based materials are commonly used for high temperature wear applications. In this study, we treated Cr3C2-NiCr coatings by laser irradiation treatment and examined its hardness in comparison with that formed by HVOF process. Consequently, the average hardness of laser irradiated Cr3C2-NiCr coating was found out to be higher than that of HVOF coating. The laser-treated Cr3C2-35%NiCr coating further improved the solid particle erosion resistance by a factor of almost twice.