High-temperature Oxidation and Thermal Shock Behavior of Laser-cladded Martensitic Stainless Steel Coatings

SHUAI Ruohui; ZHOU Ji; YANG Jikai; LOU Liyan; LIU Yi; LU Junhao; LI Chengxin

doi:10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2026.10.009

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Surface Technology ›› 2026, Vol. 55 ›› Issue (10) : 107-120. DOI: 10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2026.10.009

Laser Surface Modification Technology

High-temperature Oxidation and Thermal Shock Behavior of Laser-cladded Martensitic Stainless Steel Coatings

SHUAI Ruohui¹, ZHOU Ji¹, YANG Jikai¹, LOU Liyan^1,*, LIU Yi², LU Junhao³, LI Chengxin²

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Abstract

To satisfy the rigorous surface performance criteria in the hot rolling sector for coil press rolls, the laser cladding technology is used in this research to develop a durable martensitic stainless steel coating on the roll surfaces. This novel methodology seeks to substantially improve the longevity and operational lifespan of these essential components. Multiple characterization methods are employed to comprehensively investigate the properties of the deposited coating. SEM is utilized to examine the microstructural features and grain morphology of the coating. EBSD facilitates accurate quantification of grain size, orientation distribution, and crystallographic texture, thereby providing comprehensive insights into the coating's mechanical anisotropy. Elemental distribution mapping is conducted using EPMA to assess the homogeneity and potential elemental segregation within the coating. Furthermore, XRD analysis is performed to identify the crystalline phases present in the coating. Given that coil press rolls are often subject to elevated temperature and cyclic thermal stress, a comprehensive assessment of the coating's performance is conducted. This evaluation encompasses hardness measurements, resistance to oxidation at 800 ℃, and the ability to withstand thermal Shock. Additionally, optical microscopy is employed to examine the general surface morphology and to detect any possible alterations in the coating's surface. The findings indicate that the martensitic stainless steel coating forms a strong metallurgical bond with the underlying substrate. The primary phases present in the coating are α-Fe and γ-Fe, with martensite constituting more than 98% of the microstructure. Carbides and Mo-rich Cr-ricr intermetallic compounds are predominantly concentrated at the grain boundaries. The average microhardness of the coating attain a value of 640 HV0.2, representing an increase by a factor of 2.6 compared with the substrate. This enhancement is attributed to the synergistic contributions of ultrafine grain strengthening, solid solution strengthening, and the dispersion of hard phases, including carbides. In terms of high-temperature oxidation behavior, the coating displayed a parabolic progression in oxidation weight gain during exposure at 800 ℃, indicating a 68.8% decrease compared with the uncoated substrate. The observed improvement is ascribed to the development of a composite oxide layer consisting of Fe₂O₃, Fe₃O₄, and Cr₂O₃ on the surface. This oxide film serves as an effective barrier to oxygen diffusion, thereby enhancing the coating's performance under high-temperature conditions. Following 1 000 cycles of high-temperature thermal shock at 800 ℃, the surface exhibits the formation of a bilayer oxide film. The inner layer comprises Cr₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and Fe₃O₄, whereas the outer layer is predominantly composed of Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄. The presence of this dual-layer structure markedly inhibits the advancement of oxidation. In conjunction with the outstanding ductility and toughness inherent to martensitic stainless steel, the coating exhibits markedly enhanced resistance to thermal shock relative to the substrate. In summary, the incorporation of martensitic stainless steel powder substantially improves the coating's hardness, resistance to high-temperature oxidation, and thermal shock performance. The application of the laser cladding technology to fabricate martensitic stainless steel coatings can substantially enhance the operational performance of coil press roll surfaces. This coating demonstrates superior metallurgical adhesion, elevated hardness, and outstanding resistance to high-temperature oxidation and thermal shock, rendering it highly suitable for utilization in the hot rolling industry.

Key words

coating / laser cladding / martensitic stainless steel / thermal shock resistance / high-temperature oxidation / microstructure

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SHUAI Ruohui, ZHOU Ji, YANG Jikai, LOU Liyan, LIU Yi, LU Junhao, LI Chengxin. High-temperature Oxidation and Thermal Shock Behavior of Laser-cladded Martensitic Stainless Steel Coatings[J]. Surface Technology. 2026, 55(10): 107-120

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Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China (52130509, 52205242); The Tianjin Natural Science Foundation (22JCYBJC01650); The Tianjin Municipal Education Commission Fund (2020KJ108)