MoSi2 laser cladding -: elaboration, characterisation and addition of non-stabilized ZrO2 powder particles

The cladding process using laser beam radiation comprises different operational regimes, depending on the involved lasers (usually CO2 or Nd:YAG) and materials. A series of experiments has been carried out to investigate Nd:YAG laser cladding using MoSi2 powder. Procedures and operating parameters for producing clad layers has been developed and their properties evaluated. The feasibility of the laser cladding technique, using a high power Nd:YAG laser, by projecting MoSi2, powder on steel substrate was demonstrated. The results indicate a low density of cracks, elevated powder catchment efficiency (between 65 and 90%) and hardness values around 1200-1300 HV. Our goal consists in crack reduction (ideally elimination) and to reach that we have considered the addition of components that can create opposing stresses during solidification, like non-stabilized Zirconia powder particles. The results of these experiments are also widely presented in the paper. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.