Laser processed TiC–Al13Fe4 composite layer formation on Al–Si alloy

TiC reinforced with Al13Fe4 matrix composite layer is produced on Al–Si alloy using 5 kW CO2 laser. This attempt was made to identify the suitable coating compositions and laser processing parameters needed to form a TiC–Al13Fe4 composite layer. The study intended to form a composite layer which is having uniform TiC distribution, high hardness, high wear resistance and good adherence with substrate of Al–Si alloy. The results confirmed that the expected good quality composite layer has formed for the coating compositions of 75TiC–25Fe (wt%) and laser processing parameters of 2.5 kW laser power and 1.5 m min−1 scanning speed. TiC particles size varies from 10 to 20 μm are reinforced with in-situ formed Al13Fe4 matrix in the composite layer. The good quality composite layer is exhibited an average hardness of about 750 HV and hardness distributions show very minimum fluctuations. The effect of TiC reinforcement with Al13Fe4 matrix in the composite layer displayed very less wear rate (3.98×10−7 mg m−1) than the substrate (3.85×10−6 mg m−1).

► TiC–Al13Fe4 composite layer formed on Al–Si alloy by laser processing.
► In-situ Al13Fe4 is synthesized as a matrix by laser energy.
► Best composite layer exhibited uniform hardness about 750 HV. Composite layer wear rate is 3.98×10−7 mg m−1 lesser than the substrate 3.85×10−6 mg m−1.
► Interface between composite layer and Al–Si alloy shows good metallurgical bonding.