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Abstract
In this study, the surface of AZ91 magnesium alloy plasma sprayed with WC–12 wt-%Co powder was melted by pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Microstructure, chemical composition and phase analyses of the treated layers were studied by utilising a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction technique and a microhardness testing machine. Laser treated layers showed much finer structure compared to that of the original base material with suitable distribution of WC particles. Microhardness of melted zone achieved at optimum condition was ∼3.5 times higher than that of the base material. In addition, the presence of WC particle and refined structure reduced the wear rate to less than half in the laser treated layer.