Microstructure and tribological properties of Stellite 12 coating by laser cladding on 304 stainless steel surface

In the present study, the Stellite 12 coating was prepared on 304 stainless steel using laser cladding technology. The phase composition, microstructure, and friction behavior of the cladding layer under the four loads were analyzed. The results showed severe lattice distortion in the coating. As the temperature gradient and solidification rate were diverse in each region, the upper, middle, and lower sections of the coating layer exhibited various microstructure morphologies. The intergranular part of the cladding layer was mainly the eutectic structure, and the inner crystal was mainly Co solid solution. Spalling and adhesive phenomena appeared at the bottom of the specimen when the action was under a load of 90 N and 150 N. The average wear of the cladding layer improved with the increase in load, the shear stress and temperature in the contact zone were enhanced distinctly, and the specimen became more prone to plastic deformation and wear intensification.