Laser cladding technology is used to fabricate CoCrFeNi HEA/WC composite coatings with different mass fractions of WC on the surface of 316L stainless steel. The microstructures of HEA/WC composite coatings were analyzed by combining multiple characterization techniques. The results show that the HEA/WC composite coatings have good surface formation without pores and hot cracks, and the metallurgical bonding is well formed between the coating and the 316L SS substrate. Under the action of a laser beam and molten pool, WC particles partially or slightly melt and diffuse to the matrix, which hinders the orderly growth of grains and forms multiple strengthening. The phase structure of the HEA/WC composite coatings is composed of a main phase with FCC. The hardness and corrosion resistance of the HEA/WC composite coatings are clearly enhanced, and the HEA/WC composite coating with 5% WC has optimum properties.

The effect of 60Si2Mn substrate preheating on the forming quality and mechanical properties of cobalt-based tungsten carbide composite coating was investigated. Substrate preheating was divided into four classes (room temperature, 150 °C, 250 °C, and 350 °C). The morphology, microstructure, and distribution of elements of the coating were analyzed using a two-color laser handheld 3D scanner, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), respectively. The hardness and wear properties of the cladding layer were characterized through a microhardness tester and a friction wear experiment. The research results show that the substrate preheating temperature is directly proportional to the height of the composite coating. The solidification characteristics of the Stellite 6/WC cladding layer structure are not obviously changed at substrate preheating temperatures of room temperature, 150 °C, and 250 °C. The solidified structure is even more complex at a substrate preheating temperature of 350 °C. At this moment, the microstructure of the cladding layer is mainly various blocky, petaloid, and flower-like precipitates. The hardness and wear properties of the cladding layer are optimal at a substrate preheating temperature of 350 °C in terms of mechanical properties.

This research delves into the corrosion resistance and wear behavior of Ni60-based composite coatings strengthened by TiC and NbC particles, which are produced by laser cladding. Three distinct coatings were prepared: S1 (Ni60 + 20%TiC), S2 (Ni60 + 10%TiC + 10%NbC), and S3 (Ni60 + 20%NbC). Microstructural characterization revealed that the addition of TiC and NbC altered phase composition, inducing lattice distortion and promoting the formation of carbides such as Cr₇C₃, Ni₃C, and Nb₂C. The S2 coating exhibited the highest average microhardness (1045 HV) due to synergistic grain refinement and homogeneous carbide dispersion. Wear resistance followed the order S2 > S3 > S1, attributed to the optimized balance of hard-phase distribution and reduced abrasive wear. Electrochemical tests in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution demonstrated superior corrosion resistance for S3, characterized by the lowest corrosion current density (1.732 × 10⁻⁶ A/cm²) and a stable passivation film, facilitated by NbC-induced oxide formation. While S2 achieved peak mechanical performance, S3 excelled in corrosion resistance, highlighting the trade-off between carbide reinforcement and electrochemical stability. This work underscores the potential of tailoring dual-carbide systems in Ni60 coatings to enhance durability in harsh environments.

In this study, an AlCoCrFeNi HEA coating with a 10% mass fraction of WC particles was fabricated on the surface of 316L stainless steel by laser cladding technology. WC powders were formed by the partial or total dissolution of the initial WC particles with different sizes in the AlCoCrFeNi HEA coating. Micron WC particles were dispersed in the coating homogeneously, and millimeter WC particles were deposited on the bottom of coating because of their high density. The addition of the WC powers prompted Columnar dendritic and cellular grains, observed in the bottom and top regions of the coating, respectively. Additionally, this led to a higher micro-hardness and better corrosion resistance than that of the pure HEA coating.

The 316L SS surfaces were prepared with CoCrFeNi HEA/W-composite coatings using the laser cladding technique with various mass fractions of W. The mass fractions of W were 10, 20, 30, and 40%. The microstructure of the HEA/W-composite coatings was investigated using a variety of characterization methods. According to the results, the samples were in the BBC phase. In the SEM images, a solid–liquid bonding layer was observed, which indicates the samples had good metallurgical bonding. The W particles prevented the orderly growth of the HEA grains, and a significant refinement of the grains around the W particles occurred. The lattice constants measured by XRD mapping indicate that adding W particles to CoCrFeNi HEA leads to lattice distortion. The hardness of the HEA/W coatings was substantially higher than the substrate and the pure CoCrFeNi coating by hardness measurements and was greatest at a W content of 40%. The hardness of the HEA/W coatings was significantly increased compared to the substrate and the pure CoCrFeNi coating by hardness measurements and was greatest at a W content of 40%. The HEA/W coating was tested for electrochemical corrosion, and a 10% mass fraction of W achieved the highest level of corrosion resistance.

The aim of this investigation was to examine how CeO₂ powder influences the performance of WC + Ni60 composite powder. Various cladding layers of WC + Ni60, incorporating differing mass fractions of CeO₂, were created on the surface of Q235 steel utilizing laser cladding technology. To analyze the microscopic structure of the resulting cladding layer, scanning electron microscopy was employed. Additionally, the abrasion and corrosion resistance properties were assessed through experimentation with a pin-and-disc friction and wear tester and an electrochemical workstation, respectively. The results of the study showed that when the mass fraction of CeO₂ was 1%, the grain on the surface of the coating was refined, the carbide formation was reduced, and the uniformity of the cladding layer was the best. In terms of corrosion resistance, the coating with 1% CeO₂ had a self-corrosion potential of 0.07 V and a self-corrosion current density of 1.82 × 10⁻⁵ A·cm⁻², showing the best corrosion resistance, and the coating self-corrosion potential was higher than that of the coating and substrate without CeO₂. In terms of abrasion resistance, coatings with 1% CeO₂ had a lower coefficient of friction (0.47) and a smaller wear rate 0.034 mm³, and the wear amount was only 23.5% of that of coatings without CeO₂, resulting in the best wear resistance. In conclusion, coatings containing 1% CeO₂ exhibit the minimal coefficient of friction and the lowest wear rates, while simultaneously providing optimal corrosion resistance.