Development and characterization of Co-Cu/Ti3SiC2 self-lubricating wear resistant composite coatings on Ti6Al4V alloy by laser cladding

Abstract The poor tribological property of Ti6Al4V strictly limits its application as high-speed moving parts, so three coatings (pure Co, Co-Ti3SiC2, and Co-Cu/Ti3SiC2) were fabricated on the Ti6Al4V by laser cladding to improve the wear-resistant properties. The phase, microstructure, microhardness, and wear morphology of the coatings were characterized to investigate their performance. At room temperature, due to the good synergistic effect between Cu and Ti3SiC2, Co-Cu/Ti3SiC2 coating had good tribological performance that the friction coefficient and wear rate was 0.146 and 1.76 × 10−7 mm3/N·m, respectively. This paper deeply explores the effects of Ti3SiC2 and Cu in the coatings which will provide theoretical basis for enriching the laser cladding material system, and also provides a technical reference for the commercial application of Ti6Al4V.