In this study, Cu/TiB2composite coating was in-situ prepared on 304 steel by laser cladding. This coating applies to hospitals, schools and some public places where cross infections happen more easily because of its good antimicrobial properties and abrasion resistance. Before laser cladding, pre-blend of Cu powder, Ti powder and B powder were undertaken by ball-milling in two different proportions (10% wt (Ti+B) and 20% wt (Ti+B)). And the atomic ratio of Ti and B was 1:2. After a series of experiments, the best parameters were achieved. They were laser power (950W), scanning speed (14mm/s) and spot diameter (3.8mm). Samples after laser cladding were characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that TiB2was fabricated in-situ. The dispersion degree of Cu was higher in the coating of 20% wt (Ti+B). The hardness of the 10% wt (Ti+B) coating was HRC57±4. With the increase of percentage of wt (Ti+B), the hardness of 20% wt (Ti+B) coating was HRC74±5. Both of them performed better than pure copper. Relative to pure copper, the abrasion resistance of Cu/TiB2composite coatings was more excellent. The results of antimicrobial experiments showed that, with the increase of percentage of wt (Ti+B), the antimicrobial properties were decreasing. But they still could to be considered favorable.
Application of In-situ Synthesized TiC Reinforced Ni Based Composite Coatings by Laser Cladding on Piercing Plug