Microstructure and wear performance enhancement of carbon nanotubes reinforced composite coatings fabricated by laser cladding on titanium alloy

•The CNTs reinforced composites were obtained by laser cladding.•The ceramics/nanocrystalline/amorphous phases were fabricated by LC.•The growth of the grain was hindered by the multi-phase in a certain extent, favoring APs to be fabricated.•The coating’s COF decreased significantly by the self-lubricating effect.