The Structure, Microhardness and Solid Particle Erosion Wear Characteristics of the Laser-Cladded Inconel 625 Coatings Reinforced with Cr3C2 Particles on Non-Alloy Steel Substrate

The article presents the results of research concerning the laser cladding process of the Inconel 625 coatings reinforced with Cr3C2 particles. Nickel-based superalloys find widespread application in aggressive corrosive environments because of their many favorable properties, such as high tensile and fatigue strength and excellent resistance to high-temperature corrosion. The current research aimed to improve the surface wear resistance of Inconel 625 coatings by the addition of 20–40 vol.% of Cr3C2 particles. The research focused on determining the impact of the laser beam power and Cr3C2 particle content on the quality, structure and properties (microhardness and solid particle erosion wear resistance) of coatings. The investigation included the macrostructure and microstructure analyses, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Vickers microhardness and solid particle erosion tests (according to the ASTM G76-18 standard). The main results showed that the homogenous composite Inconel 625 + Cr3C2 coatings can be produced using the laser cladding process to improve the hardness and erosive wear resistance in comparison to pure metallic Inconel 625 coatings.