Laser cladded AlCuFe plus Sn quasicrystalline composite coatings

Abstract

Al-Cu-Fe+Sn quasicrystalline (QC) composite coatings with different volume fractions of Sn, i.e. 12%, 20% and 30%, were prepared by laser cladding technique. The effects of soft phase Sn and processing parameters on the microstructure, microhardness and frictional behavior of the coatings were investigated. The results show that after laser cladding, i-phase existing in the powder is decomposed and element Sn reacts with Cu, forming beta-CuSn. The volume fraction of Sn addition has less obvious effect on the microstructure, microhardness and friction performance than that of plasma sprayed coatings. The best performance in terms of microhardness and friction are obtained for the coating containing 20% Sn additions prepared with the laser power of 950 W and scanning velocity of 3 mm/s.