Preliminary microstructural investigation of potential self-lubricating, wear and oxidation-resistant composite coatings produced by a novel laser injection technique for high temperature applications

A novel technique has been developed in forming composite coatings containing solid self-lubricating particles (MoS2) and wear-resistant abrasive particles (WC, Cr3C2) during laser cladding. These coatings are formed by the injection of particles into the melt pool during laser cladding of a 304 stainless steel substrate with Inconel 625 and high nitrogenated stainless steel (304L). Microstructure of these composite coatings was characterized by various techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA).