Improving the high-temperature oxidation resistance of H13 steel by laser cladding with a WC/Co-Cr alloy coating
Purpose This paper aims to discuss that a WC/Co-Cr alloy coating was applied to the surface of H13 steel by laser cladding. Design/methodology/approach The oxidation behavior of the WC/Co-Cr alloy coating at 600°C was investigated by comparing it with the performance of the steel substrate to better understand the thermal stability of H13 steel. Findings The results showed that the WC/Co-Cr alloy coating exhibited better high-temperature oxidation resistance and thermal stability than did uncoated H13 steel. The coated H13 steel had a lower mass gain rate and higher microhardness than did the substrate after different oxidation times. Originality/value The WC/Co-Cr alloy coating was composed of e-Co, CW3, Co6W6C, Cr23C6 and Cr7C3; this mixture offered good thermal stability and better high-temperature oxidation resistance.