Effect of Mo and nano-Nd2O3 on the microstructure and wear resistance of laser cladding Ni-based alloy coatings

Three kinds of coatings were successfully prepared on Q235 steel by laser cladding technique through adulterating with Mo and nano-Nd2O3 into Ni-based alloys. The effect of Mo and nano-Nd2O3 on the microstructure and properties of Ni-based coatings was investigated systematically by means of optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and microhardness testing and wear testing. The results indicated a certain amount of fine grains and polygonal equiaxed grains synthesized after adding Mo and nano-Nd2O3. Both the microhardness and wear resistance of Ni-based coatings improved greatly with a moderate additional amount of Mo and nano-Nd2O3. The largest improvement in microhardness was 31.9 and 14.7 %, and the largest reduction in loss was 45.0 and 30.7 %, respectively, for 5.0 wt% Mo powders and 1.0 wt% nano-Nd2O3. The effect of Mo on microhardness and wear resistance of laser cladding Ni-based alloy coatings is greater than the effect of nano-Nd2O3.