EFFECT OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND WEAR RESISTANCE OF LASER REMELTED IRON ALLOY COATINGS CONTAINING METALLOIDS

Abstract

The microstructure, hardness, and wear resistance of thermal sprayed and laser remelted M₈₀S₂₀ and M₈₀S₂₀–8CeO₂ self-fluxing alloy coatings (where M signifies a metallic content, predominantly iron, and S represents a metalloid content specifically boron, silicon, and carbon) were investigated using SEM, an electron microprobe, a microhardness tester, and an Amsler wear testing machine. The results showed that the rare earth element can significantly improve the surface quality, microstructure, and wear resistance of laser remelted coatings.