Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Evaluation of a Laser-Induced Composite Coating on a Ni-Based Superalloy during Thermal Exposure

A Ni–17Mo–7Cr-based superalloy was laser surface-modified to improve its tribological properties. Si particles were employed as coating materials. Si melted on the surface of the alloy during the process, triggering the formation of Mo(6)Ni(6)C carbides and Ni–Si intermetallics. A defect-free coating obtained was mostly made up of primary Mo(6)Ni(6)C and γ-Ni(31)Si(12), as well as a eutectic structure of β(1)-Ni(3)Si and α-Ni-based solid solution (α-Ni (s.s)). The volume fraction of hard reinforcements (Mo(6)Ni(6)C, γ-Ni(31)Si(12), and β(1)-Ni(3)Si) reached up to 85% in the coating. High-temperature microstructural stability of the coating was investigated by aging the coating at 1073 K for 240–480 h, to reveal its microstructural evolution. In addition, the mechanical performance of the coating was investigated. The nanoscale elastic modulus and hardness of Mo(6)Ni(6)C, γ-Ni(31)Si(12), and α-Ni (s.s) were characterized using the nanoindentation tests. The nanoscratch tests were performed to measure the local wear resistance of the coating. Lastly, the Vickers hardness distribution across the cross-section of the coating before and after thermal exposure was compared. The work performed provides basic information understanding the microstructural evolution and mechanical performance of laser-induced coatings on Ni-based superalloys.