Investigation of the mechanical properties and corrosion behaviors of Ni-BN-TiC layers constructed via laser cladding technique

In this article, Ni and Ni-BN-TiC layers were constructed using laser cladding technique (LCT). The microstructure, phase structure, microhardness, elastic modulus, thermal stability, and corrosion behaviors of Ni-BN-TiC layers were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), nanoindentation, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and electrochemical workstation. The results indicated that Ni-BN-TiC layers possessed a fine and compact microstructure. The exothermic peak of the Ni-BN-TiC layer appeared at 461°C, indicating the highest thermal stability. The mechanical properties of Ni-BN-TiC layer improved with the addition of BN and TiC particles, having an average microhardness of 19.6 GPa, and average elastic modulus of 194.2 GPa. In addition, the corrosion current densities of 45 steel, Ni and Ni-BN-TiC layers were 4.808 μA/cm², 3.917 μA/cm², and 2.014 μA/cm², respectively. The corrosion potentials and corrosion current densities results showed the outstanding corrosion resistance of Ni-BN-TiC layers.