The influence of laser cladding process parameters on the microstructure and properties of SiC/ZL101 coatings

Abstract

Laser cladding technology, characterized by a small heat-affected zone and low dilution rate, provides an effective method for fabricating high-performance coatings. In this study, SiC/ZL101 composite coatings were fabricated using laser cladding technology, and the effects of various process parameters on coating quality, microstructure, and performance were systematically analyzed. The results indicate that the microstructure of the cladding layer transitions from columnar to equiaxed crystals. At a laser power of 2800 W and a scanning speed of 8 mm/s, the cladding layer is relatively dense, and no obvious defects such as cracks or pores are observed inside. At a scanning speed of 8 mm/s, increasing the laser power from 2500 W to 2800 W improves coating quality and enhances its mechanical properties. However, further increases in laser power reduce melt pool stability, leading to more defects. Furthermore, at a laser power of 2800 W, a moderate increase in scanning speed reduces the number of defects and refines the grains, though it diminishes the preferred orientation of the grains.