Title: The effect of Ni element content on the performance of 3Cr13+2.0wt%B coatings

Authors: Huafei Zhao; Qiangqiang Zhang; Yaowei Yong; Mengmeng Cao; Yuhe Ma; Zheng Zhang

Addresses: School of Mechanical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; School of Mechanical Engineering, North Minzu University, China Yinchuan 750021, China ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; School of Mechanical Engineering, North Minzu University, China Yinchuan 750021, China ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China

Abstract: To enhance ductile iron performance under harsh conditions, this study investigates the effect of nickel content on laser-clad 3Cr13+2.0wt%B coatings. Results show that adding 1.0 wt% Ni achieves optimal metallurgical bonding and coating quality (average thickness >1.2 mm). The microstructure comprises α-Fe, γ-Fe, (Cr,Fe)7C3, Fe2B, and γ-(Fe,Ni) phases, with microhardness 4.15 times that of the substrate. Under identical abrasion, the wear rate decreases to 0.135 × 10^-3 g/m, dominated by mild abrasive and oxidative wear. In 3.5% NaCl salt spray tests, the self-corrosion potential increases by 0.052 V, with reduced corrosion current and enhanced impedance, indicating superior corrosion resistance. The addition of 1.0 wt% Ni simultaneously improves coating quality, hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion performance.

Keywords: laser cladding; ductile iron; 3Cr13; wear resistance; corrosion resistance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2025.149461

International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering, 2025 Vol.19 No.4, pp.344 - 362

Received: 12 Jan 2025
Accepted: 30 Apr 2025
Published online: 01 Nov 2025 *

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