Frontiers | Impact of laser energy density on the structure and properties of laser-deposited Fe‒Ni‒Ti composite coatings

To utilise laser deposition for the preparation of high-strength, wear-resistant components, the service life of components in rail transportation equipment should be improved. Laser deposition technology is used to fabricate Fe‒Ni‒Ti coatings on the surface of AISI 1045 steel substrates. By varying the laser power to adjust the laser energy density, Fe‒Ni‒Ti composite coatings are prepared at various energy densities. The morphology, microstructure, phase composition, tensile strength, microhardness, and friction-wear characteristics of the composite coatings are observed and tested. The influence patterns and mechanisms of laser energy density on the organisational variation and friction-wear performance of composite coatings is investigated. When the laser energy density is 97.2 J/mm2 (1400 W), the residual stresses in the deposition layer are minimised, resulting in fewer cracks and gas pore defects, with a porosity rate reaching its lowest value of 1.2% and a density of 99.1%. With the increase in energy density, both the tensile strength and elongation of the deposited layer exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease. The hardness and wear resistance of Fe‒Ni‒Ti deposition layers is effectively controlled by regulating the laser energy density.