Surface modification of titanium alloy with laser cladding RE oxides reinforced Ti3Al–matrix composites

Ti3Al–matrix composites were prepared by laser cladding of the Al3Ti/TiB2/Al2O3 pre-placed powders on the Ti–6Al–4V alloy, which can improve the wear resistance of the substrate. With addition of the proper content of RE oxides (nano-Y2O3), this composite coating exhibited finer microstructure and better wear resistance. Nevertheless, excessive RE oxides could lead to the production of the micro-crack, and also decrease the temperature of the molten pool leading to the present of the un-melted TiB2 block, which can significantly decrease the wear resistance of this composite coating.