Microstructure and wear behavior of laser cladding VC-Cr7C3 ceramic coating on steel substrate

► The VC-Cr7C3 coating on steel substrate was in situ produced by laser cladding. ► The distribution of VC-Cr7C3 phase decreased gradually from the top of the coating. ► The laser cladding achieved a high hardness of the order of 1000 HV. ► The wear resistance of the coating was 4 times that of the steel substrate.