The work aims to investigate the optimization of wear and corrosion resistance of TiB2-Cr3C2 laser cladding coatings on 304 stainless steel bearings, so as to explore the effects of different TiB2-Cr3C2 ratios on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of the coatings, with a focus on identifying the optimal composition for enhanced performance in harsh industrial environments. Laser cladding was performed on 304 stainless steel substrates by a 5 kW CO2 laser with a wavelength of 10.6 μm. Three coating compositions were designed: T5C15-304 (5wt.% TiB2, 15wt.% Cr3C2), T10C10-304 (10wt.% TiB2, 10wt.% Cr3C2), and T15C5-304 (15wt.% TiB2, 5wt.% Cr3C2). The laser parameters were set at a power of 3 kW, scanning speed of 360 mm/min, spot diameter of 4 mm, and overlap rate of 30%. The coatings were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) to identify phase compositions, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to analyze microstructures and elemental distributions. Microhardness tests were conducted under a load of 200 gf for 15 s, while friction and wear tests were performed with an Al2O3 ceramic ball under dry sliding conditions (frequency of 10 Hz, load of 20 N, time of 5 min). Electrochemical corrosion resistance was evaluated via potentiodynamic polarization in a 0.9wt.% NaCl solution at (24±1) ℃. The results reveal that the coatings are primarily composed of Cr3C2, TiB2, Fe2B, TiC, and Cr2O3. The T10C10-304 coating exhibits a dense, crack-free microstructure with the highest peak hardness (821HV), which is 2.73 times that of the substrate (301HV). This significant hardness enhancement is attributed to the balanced distribution of TiB2 and Cr3C2, which facilitates the formation of a uniform and dense microstructure. In friction and wear tests, T10C10-304 demonstrates the lowest average friction coefficient (0.219) and wear rate (2.52× 10-7 mm3·N-1·m-1), representing reductions of approximately 39% and 63% compared to the substrate. The wear mechanism of T10C10-304 is dominated by mild abrasive wear, with minimal plastic deformation and surface tearing, indicating excellent wear resistance. Electrochemical analysis indicates that T10C10-304 has the best corrosion resistance, with the lowest corrosion current density (1.6 μA/cm2), the highest corrosion potential (-288 mV), and a significantly increased polarization resistance (305 320 Ω·cm2). The superior corrosion resistance is attributed to the formation of a dense Cr2O3 layer during the laser cladding process, which effectively prevents chloride ion penetration and reduces the corrosion rate. The corrosion current density of T10C10-304 is only 11% of that of the substrate, highlighting its remarkable corrosion protection capability. The study concludes that the T10C10-304 coating, with equal mass fractions of TiB2 and Cr3C2 (10% each), provides the best overall performance in terms of hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. This coating composition offers a feasible and reliable surface strengthening strategy for 304 stainless steel bearings used in the chemical industry. The findings provide valuable insights into optimizing laser cladding parameters and material compositions for enhanced surface properties, contributing to the development of advanced surface engineering techniques for industrial applications. Future work may focus on exploring the performance of these coatings under more complex and realistic industrial conditions, such as in the presence of multiple corrosive agents or under combined mechanical and chemical loads.
Key words
laser cladding /
TiB2-Cr3C2 coating /
304 stainless steel /
wear resistance /
corrosion resistance
{{custom_sec.title}}
{{custom_sec.title}}
{{custom_sec.content}}
References
[1] SEETHAMMARAJU S, RANGARAJAN M.Corrosion of Stainless Steels in Acidic, Neutral and Alkaline Saline Media: Electrochemical and Microscopic Analysis[J]. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 2019, 577(1): 012188.
[2] 王勉, 刘秀波, 欧阳春生, 等. 304不锈钢激光原位合成自润滑涂层的宽温域摩擦学性能[J]. 材料工程, 2021, 49(1): 133-143.
WANG M, LIU X B, OUYANG C S, et al.Wide Temperature Range Tribological Performance of Laser In-Situ Synthesized Self-Lubricating Coating on 304 Stainless Steel[J]. Journal of Materials Engineering, 2021, 49(1): 133-143.
[3] 张恒源, 程旺军, 刘鹏飞, 等. 高端铝合金表面激光熔覆耐磨耐蚀涂层关键技术研究进展[J]. 金属加工(热加工), 2024(3): 1-6.
ZHANG H Y, CHENG W J, LIU P F, et al.Research Progress on Key Technologies of Laser Cladding Wear and Corrosion Resistant Coatings on the Surface of High- Grade Aluminum Alloys[J]. Metal Working, 2024(3): 1-6.
[4] TANG B H, TAN Y F, XU T, et al.Effects of TiB2 Particles Content on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Tribological Properties of Ni-Based Composite Coatings Reinforced with TiB2 Particles by Laser Cladding[J]. Coatings, 2020, 10(9): 813.
[5] 吴彼, 高禩洋, 薛伟海, 等. 钛合金表面TiB2涂层与纯铝的高温黏着磨损行为[J]. 中国表面工程, 2022, 35(3): 64-72.
WU B, GAO S Y, XUE W H, et al.High-Temperature Adhesive Wear Behavior between TiB2 Coating on TC4 Substrate and Pure Al[J]. China Surface Engineering, 2022, 35(3): 64-72.
[6] WANG X S, LUO J F, CAI Z H, et al.Advances in Laser-Clad, Particle-Reinforced Wear-Resistant Coatings: Enhancing Durability through Material Innovation[J]. Journal of Sustainability for Energy, 2023, 2(4): 217-231.
[7] ZHOU Z Q, DUAN D J, LI S L, et al.Microstructure and High-Temperature Properties of Cr3C2-25NiCr Nanoceramic Coatings Prepared by HVAF[J]. Coatings, 2023, 13(10): 1741.
[8] 方振兴, 祁文军, 李志勤. 304不锈钢激光熔覆搭接率对CoCrW涂层组织与耐磨及耐腐蚀性能的影响[J]. 材料导报, 2021, 35(12): 12123-12129.
FANG Z X, QI W J, LI Z Q.Effect of Laser Cladding Lap Ratio of 304 Stainless Steel on Microstructure, Wear Resistance and Corrosion Resistance of CoCrW Coating[J]. Materials Review, 2021, 35(12): 12123-12129.
[9] WEI S, HUANG L, LI X, et al.High-temperature Cyclic Oxidation Kinetics and Microstructural Transition Mechanisms of Ti-6Al-4V Composites Reinforced with Hybrid (TiC+TiB) Networks[J]. Oxid. Met., 2017, 88: 719-732.
[10] HE B, ZHANG L J, ZHU Q H, et al.Effect of Solution Treated 316L Layer Fabricated by Laser Cladding on Wear and Corrosive Wear Resistance[J]. Optics & Laser Technology, 2020, 121: 105788.
[11] YUAN L, PONGE D, WITTIG J, et al.Nanoscale Austenite Reversion through Partitioning, Segregation and Kinetic Freezing: Example of a Ductile 2GPa Fe-Cr-C Steel[J]. Acta Materialia, 2012, 60(6/7): 2790-2804.
[12] 郑世恩, 潘应君, 张恒, 等. 304不锈钢表面硼化物熔覆层的耐腐蚀性能研究[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2021, 41(6): 843-848.
ZHENG S E, PAN Y J, ZHANG H, et al.Corrosion Resistance of Boride Cladding Layer on Surface of 304 Stainless Steel[J]. Journal of Chinese Society for Corrosion and Protection, 2021, 41(6): 843-848.
[13] LIU Y, XIANG D, WANG K, et al.Corrosion of Laser Cladding High-entropy Alloy Coatings: a Review[J]. Coatings, 2022, 12(11): 1669.
[14] RAM R K, PANDEY S M.Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Tungsten-Inert-Gas-Clad TiB2/Mo/Cr Composite Coating on AISI 304 Stainless Steel[J]. Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, 2025, 34(14): 13898-13913.
[15] 龚玉玲, 徐晓栋. 激光熔覆工艺参数对熔覆层质量影响研究[J]. 机床与液压, 2022, 50(2): 76-81.
GONG Y L, XU X D.Study on the Influence of Laser Cladding Process Parameters on Cladding Quality[J]. Machine Tool & Hydraulics, 2022, 50(2): 76-81.
[16] JIANG D Z, WANG G J, DONG W, et al.Recent Advance on Metal Carbides Reinforced Laser Cladding Coatings[J]. Molecules, 2025, 30(8): 1820.
[17] JOHN M, KURUVERI U B, MENEZES P L.Laser Cladding-Based Surface Modification of Carbon Steel and High-Alloy Steel for Extreme Condition Applications[J]. Coatings, 2022, 12(10): 1444.
[18] 国家质量监督检验检疫总局, 中国国家标准化管理委员会. 金属材料维氏硬度试验第1部分:试验方法: GB/T 4340.1—2009[S]. 北京: 中国标准出版社, 2010.
General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China, Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China. Metallic Materials—Vickers Hardness Test: Part 1: Test Method: GB/T 4340.1—2009[S]. Beijing: Standards Press of China, 2010.
[19] 国家质量监督检验检疫总局, 中国国家标准化管理委员会. 金属材料维氏硬度试验第2部分:硬度计的检验与校准: GB/T 4340.2—2012[S]. 北京: 中国标准出版社, 2013.
General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China, Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China. Metallic Materials - Vickers Hardness Test - Part 2: Verification and Calibration of Testing Machines: GB/T 4340.2—2012[S]. Beijing: Standards Press of China, 2013.
[20] 国家质量监督检验检疫总局, 中国国家标准化管理委员会. 金属材料磨损试验方法试环-试块滑动磨损试验: GB/T 12444—2006[S]. 北京: 中国标准出版社, 2007.
General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China, Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China. Metallic Materials - Wear Test Method - Block- on-Ring Sliding Wear Test: GB/T 12444—2006[S]. Beijing: Standards Press of China, 2007.
[21] 国家质量监督检验检疫总局, 中国国家标准化管理委员会. 微米级长度的扫描电镜测量方法通则: GB/T 16594—2008[S]. 北京: 中国标准出版社, 2009.
General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China, Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China. General Rules for Measurement of Length in Micron Scale by SEM: GB/T 16594—2008[S]. Beijing: Standards Press of China, 2009.
[22] 国家质量监督检验检疫总局, 中国国家标准化管理委员会. 纳米材料晶粒尺寸及微观应变的测定 X射线衍射线宽化法: GB/T 23413—2009[S]. 北京: 中国标准出版社, 2009.
General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China, Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China. Determination of Crystallite Size and Micro- Strain of Nano-Materials—X-Ray Diffraction Line Broadening Method: GB/T 23413—2009[S]. Beijing: Standards Press of China, 2009.
[23] 国家质量监督检验检疫总局, 中国国家标准化管理委员会. 金属和合金的腐蚀电化学试验方法恒电位和动电位极化测量导则: GB/T 24196—2009[S]. 北京: 中国标准出版社, 2010.
General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China, Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China. Corrosion of Metals and Alloys—Electrochemical Test Methods—Guidelines for Conducting Potentiostatic and Potentiodynamic Polarization Measurements: GB/T 24196—2009[S]. Beijing: Standards Press of China, 2010.
[24] 徐勤官, 曲仕尧. 铁基合金激光熔覆层的组织与性能研究[J]. 金属加工(热加工), 2022(10): 20-23.
XU Q G, QU S Y.Study on Microstructure and Properties of Laser Cladding Layer of Iron Base Alloy[J]. MW Metal Forming, 2022(10): 20-23.
[25] LIU M H, TAN Z W, ZHAO Y T, et al.Optimization of Spray Parameters and Corrosion Properties of Plasma- Sprayed Cr2O3 Coatings Using Response Surface Methodology[J]. Crystals, 2025, 15(4): 377.
[26] LI N L, HE D Y, LIU D, et al.In-Situ TiB Reinforced Titanium Matrix Composite Coatings Prepared by Laser Cladding: Effect of TiB2 Content on Microstructure, Hardness and Wear Properties[J]. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2025, 1010: 178215.
[27] 王子璇, 胡艳娇, 庞铭. 激光熔凝不锈钢的组织和综合性能[J]. 激光与光电子学进展, 2021, 58(19): 1914006.
WANG Z X, HU Y J, PANG M.Microstructure and Comprehensive Properties of Laser-Melted Stainless Steel[J]. Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, 2021, 58(19): 1914006.
[28] BAILEY R.Tribocorrosion Response of Surface- Modified Ti in a 0.9% NaCl Solution[J]. Lubricants, 2018, 6(4): 86.
[29] KSIAZEK M, BORON L. Microstructure, Tribological,Corrosion Behavior of HVOF-Sprayed (Cr3C2-NiCr+ Ni) Coatings on Ductile Cast Iron[J]. Materials, 2025, 18(8): 1856.
[30] LIU X B, YU L, ZHENG T F, et al.Synthesis, Microstructural Evolution, and Wet Wear Performance of an Fe55-Based Coating Reinforced with CeO2 and TiN Particles Fabricated via Plasma Beam Spraying[J]. Coatings, 2025, 15(5): 548.
[31] 田仕, 邢伟宏, 王为民, 等. TiB2粒径对BN-TiB2复相陶瓷致密化和性能的影响[J]. 硅酸盐学报, 2011, 39(11): 1757-1762.
TIAN S, XING W H, WANG W M, et al.Influence of Particle Size of TiB2 on Densification and Properties of BN-TiB2 Composite Ceramics[J]. Journal of the Chinese Ceramic Society, 2011, 39(11): 1757-1762.
[32] LI D D, GAO K W, LIU J, et al.Achieving Superior Corrosion Resistance of TiB2 Reinforced Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Composites via Optimizing Particle Distribution and Anodic Oxidation Time[J]. Coatings, 2023, 13(10): 1780.
Funding
Hubei Engineering Research Center Open Fund (HRCGAM202101)
PDF(18812 KB)
