Effect of Ni modified graphene on microstructure and properties of Ni60 composite coatings prepared by laser cladding

Abstract In recent years, graphene (Gr) has attracted much attention owing to its excellent reinforcement effects. However, the application of Gr in laser cladded coatings remains a challenge due to the agglomeration of Gr and poor wettability between Gr and the molten metals. To overcome these problems, in this study, Ni modified Gr (Ni@Gr) powders were synthesized by electroless plating method, and Ni@Gr powders reinforced Ni60 (Ni60-Ni@Gr) composite coatings were prepared on the surface of AISI 1045 steel by laser cladding technique. The microstructure, existential state of Gr nanosheets, micro-hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of Ni60-Ni@Gr coatings, Ni60-Gr coatings and Ni60 coatings were studied by SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman, micro-hardness tester, wear tester and electrochemical tester. The results showed that the wettability between the metal matrix and Gr was improved after modification, which promotes the dispersion of Gr nanosheets. The average micro-hardness value of Ni60-Ni@Gr coating was 920.79 HV0.2, which was higher than that of Ni60-Gr coatings (843.80 HV0.2) and Ni60 coatings (777.13 HV0.2). Compared with Ni60-Gr coatings and Ni60 coatings, the Ni60-Ni@Gr coatings have the lowest friction coefficient and weight loss, indicating the best wear resistance of Ni60-Ni@Gr coatings. The potentiodynamic polarization test and EIS test indicated that the corrosion resistance of Ni60 coatings was significantly improved after adding Gr. More notably, compared with the Gr without modification, the addition of modified Gr contributes to the further improvement of the corrosion resistance of Ni60 coating, which was related to the excellent barrier property of uniformly dispersed Ni@Gr powders in coatings.