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.