Preparation and Characterization of Ni60-WC Composites Fabricated Using Laser Cladding Technique

In order to improve the surface properties of metal knives, agricultural appliances, and other metal parts, Ni60-WC composites were fabricated by using laser cladding (LCG) technique. The impacts of WC addition on the surface and cross-sectional morphologies, Vickers hardness, phase structure, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance of the composites were investigated. The findings suggested that WC particles had a significant impact on the structural characteristics of the Ni60-WC composites. Cross sections of Ni60-WC10 and Ni60-WC20 composites revealed the presence of numerous elements, including Ni, W, C, Fe, and Cr, confirming that the LCG approach could effectively fabricate Ni60-WC composites. Furthermore, numerous nickel grains and WC particles emerged in Ni60-WC20 composites, and the average nickel grain and WC particle diameters were reported as 96.3 and 54.6 μm, respectively. The Ni60-WC20 composite showed an average Vickers hardness of 826.9 HV, which was around 3.5 times higher than the Vickers hardness of the substrate. Similarly, the Ni60-WC20 composite demonstrated excellent anti-wear resistance. Additionally, the Ni60-WC20 composite demonstrated remarkable corrosion resistance, as reflected by its corrosion potential measurement of only − 0.37 V.