Laser composite surfacing of stainless steel with SiC

Abstract

In the present study, an attempt has been made to improve wear resistance of AISI 304 stainless steel by laser composite surfacing with SiC. Laser processing has been carried out by pre-deposition of Fe + SiC powders (in the ratio of 85:15 and thickness of 100 μm) on AISI 304 stainless steel substrate and subsequently, melting it using a 2 kW continuous wave CO₂ laser. Following laser processing, a detailed characterization and evaluation of mechanical/electrochemical properties of the composite layer were undertaken to study the influence of laser processing on the characteristics and properties of the composite layer. Microstructure of the composite layer consisted of uniformly dispersed SiC particles in grain refined α-Fe dendrites. Laser composite surfacing led to a significant improvement in microhardness and wear resistance as compared to as-received substrate. However, pitting corrosion property was marginally deteriorated due to laser composite surfacing.