To improve the surface corrosion resistance of ductile iron, Ni-based alloy coatings were prepared using a high-speed laser cladding technology with different levels of laser power. The microstructure, phases, and corrosion properties of the coatings were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and an electrochemical workstation. Variations in laser power did not change the main phases of the coatings, which were composed of γ-Ni, Ni3B, Ni2Si, and Cr23C6. With an increase in power, the degree of segregation in the coating decreased, sufficient melting between elements was achieved, and the chemical composition became more uniform. Enhancement of the laser power resulted in more energy being injected into the cladding, which allowed adequate growth of tissue, and dendrites continued to grow in size as the power increased. The self-corrosion potentials of the coatings at laser power levels of 1.6, 2.0, and 2.4 kW were -625.7, -526.5, and -335.7 mV, respectively. The corrosion potential of the 2.4 kW coating was the highest, and the corroded surface of the cladding layer included mainly sizeable continuous structures with a light degree of corrosion and the highest corrosion resistance.
Keywords: Ni-based alloy coating; corrosion mechanism; corrosion performance; ductile cast iron; laser power.