Preparation of FeCoCrNiAl-X% Cr3C2 Gradient Coating by Laser Powder Bed Fusion: Research on Microstructure and Tribological Properties, Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Nanoindentation Behavior
摘要
Previous studies have demonstrated that coatings affect the friction and wear characteristics of the substrate, neglecting the strengthening mechanism of the coating at the atomic scale. In this research, laboratory and molecular dynamics simulation were utilized to investigate the strengthening mechanism of the coating. In particular, the FeCoCrNiAl-X% Cr3C2 (X = 5, 10, 15) gradient coating was prepared on a 65Mn substrate by laser powder bed fusion. The phase composition, microstructure morphology, microhardness, and wear resistance of each layer were experimentally analyzed. In turn, the nanoindentation behavior of all constituent layers was simulated via molecular dynamics, revealing the strengthening mechanism of Cr3C2 particles. The experiments showed that the (Cr,Fe)7C3 phase in the gradient coating increased layer by layer from the substrate to the surface. Enhancements in the microhardness and wear resistance of the coating were attributed to the combined effect of ceramic particles and fine grain strengthening. Molecular dynamics simulation indicated that the increase in Cr3C2 content promoted Hirth dislocations and HCP phase formation, thereby enhancing strain-hardening of the coating and its resistance to plastic deformation due to the altered wear mechanism.