To extend the service life of 316L stainless steel components in harsh environments, this study utilized laser cladding technology to enhance the hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of the 316L stainless steel surface. Nickel-based and cobalt-based cladding layers were prepared on the surface of the 316L stainless steel, and the microstructure and phases of the layers were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, the hardness of the substrate and the cladding layers was tested with a microhardness tester, the frictional wear performance was tested with a pin on disc wear tester, and the corrosion resistance was tested with an electrochemical workstation. The experimental results indicate that the nickel-based cladding layer primarily comprises the γ-(Fe, Ni), Cr₇C₃, and Ni₃Si phases, with equiaxed and dendritic grains being the predominant morphologies. By contrast, the cobalt-based cladding layer mainly comprises the γ-Co, Cr₇C₃, and Co₇W₆ phases, with columnar and dendritic grains being the predominant morphologies. Both cladding layers displayed a significantly better microhardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance than the substrate. Between the two cladding layers, the nickel-based cladding layer demonstrated a superior microhardness, whereas the cobalt-based cladding layer slightly outperformed in wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The findings from our results are important for understanding the performance of laser-cladding layers and laying a scientific basis for the promotion and optimization of laser cladding technology in industrial applications. Moreover, our results showed that laser cladding technology is increasingly important in extending the service life of components and improving the material performance.

The problem of protecting 7075 Al alloy trekking poles from corrosion in complex outdoor environments was addressed using a composite conversion coating system. This system comprised Na₂MoO₄, NaF, CoSO₄·7H₂O, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-2Na, and H₂(TiF₆). The influences of this system on the properties of the coating layer were systematically studied by adjusting the pH of the coating solution. The conversion temperature and pH were the pivotal parameters influencing the formation of the conversion coating. The pH substantially influenced the compactness of the coating layer, acting as a regulatory agent of the coating kinetics. When the conversion temperature and pH were set to 40 °C and 3.8, respectively, the prepared coating layer displayed optimal performance in terms of compactness and protective properties. Therefore, this parameter combination favours the synthesis of high-performance conversion coatings. Microscopy confirmed the formation of a continuous, dense composite oxide film structure under these conditions, effectively blocking erosion in corrosive media. Furthermore, the optimised process led to substantial enhancements in the environmental adaptabilities and service lives of the components of trekking poles, thus establishing a theoretical foundation and technical reference for use in the surface protection of outdoor equipment.

Aluminum alloy 6061 is widely used in the industrial field, but its poor corrosion resistance has a significant impact on the reliability of equipment components. To address the corrosion resistance issue of 6061 aluminum alloy, a novel Ti-Zr-V conversion coating was prepared on its surface in this study, and the conversion parameters were optimized. The morphology, element distribution and content, composition of compounds, and corrosion resistance of the prepared Ti-Zr-V conversion coating were comprehensively analyzed and evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, copper sulfate spot test, and electrochemical experiments. The research results showed that the conversion parameters had a significant impact on the corrosion resistance of the conversion coating. The optimal conversion parameters were a pH value of 4.5 and a conversion time of 5 min, with the optimal addition amount of the auxiliary film former NaVO₃ being 0.6 g/L. Under these conditions, the Ti-Zr-V conversion coating prepared was relatively dense, with fewer grooves, the longest spot resistance time, and the best corrosion resistance. Its surface mainly consisted of titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, vanadium pentoxide, V₂O₃, aluminum oxide, and a small amount of fluoride compounds. Electrochemical analysis also demonstrated that the corrosion rate of TiZrVCC decreased by approximately 87.12% compared to the aluminum alloy 6061 substrate, providing a theoretical basis and technical support for the further promotion and use of aluminum alloy.