Laser surface alloying of Gr22 ferritic steel with Ni(Al): Effect of processing parameters on the microstructure and high temperature performance

The aim of this work is modify the surface composition of a Gr22 ferritic steel component with Ni(Al) using a high-power diode laser (HPDL). Two different combinations of parameters were used to obtain a superficial alloy modification macroscopically homogenous, with low porosity and low presence of cracks. From a microscopically point of view the surface presents a band structure due to the rapid cooling process. Isothermal oxidation tests at 640 °C were performed to evaluate the performance of the solution at high temperature. The introduction of Ni(Al) with this technique has allowed to reduce the degradation of the components, without modifying the ferritic structure of the steel.