On the Elaboration of Metal-Ceramic Composite Coatings by Laser Cladding

This paper reports on a preliminary investigation into the elaboration, by the additive process known as laser cladding, of composite coatings with a matrix of stainless steel 316L reinforced with varying contents of tungsten (WC) or silicon carbides (SiC) particles. Laser cladding is characterised by ultra-fast solidification and cooling rates, thus giving rise to ultra-fine out-of-equilibrium microstructures and potentially enhanced mechanical properties. Both types of composite coatings – i.e. with SiC or WC ‒ are compared in terms of their microstructures and hardness. Special attention is given to the dissolution of the carbides particles and to interfacial reactions taking place between the particles and the metallic matrix.