Wen Zhan

To extend the service life of 316L stainless steel components in harsh environments, this study utilized laser cladding technology to enhance the hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of the 316L stainless steel surface. Nickel-based and cobalt-based cladding layers were prepared on the surface of the 316L stainless steel, and the microstructure and phases of the layers were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, the hardness of the substrate and the cladding layers was tested with a microhardness tester, the frictional wear performance was tested with a pin on disc wear tester, and the corrosion resistance was tested with an electrochemical workstation. The experimental results indicate that the nickel-based cladding layer primarily comprises the γ-(Fe, Ni), Cr₇C₃, and Ni₃Si phases, with equiaxed and dendritic grains being the predominant morphologies. By contrast, the cobalt-based cladding layer mainly comprises the γ-Co, Cr₇C₃, and Co₇W₆ phases, with columnar and dendritic grains being the predominant morphologies. Both cladding layers displayed a significantly better microhardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance than the substrate. Between the two cladding layers, the nickel-based cladding layer demonstrated a superior microhardness, whereas the cobalt-based cladding layer slightly outperformed in wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The findings from our results are important for understanding the performance of laser-cladding layers and laying a scientific basis for the promotion and optimization of laser cladding technology in industrial applications. Moreover, our results showed that laser cladding technology is increasingly important in extending the service life of components and improving the material performance.

This paper aims to explore a new-type Mo-based composite conversion coating on 6061 aluminum alloy, systematically evaluate its corrosion resistance, and further reveal the formation mechanism. The effects of pH, conversion time (CTI) and H₂ZrF₆ content on the corrosion resistance were determined by the dropping test and electrochemical tests, and the average corrosion rate (ACR) in neutral 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution under different temperatures was calculated by the immersion test. The micro-morphology and phase compositions were systematically investigated by SEM, EDS and XPS. The results showed that the optimal pH and CTI were 4.5 and 12 min respectively, and the most suitable addition amount of H₂ZrF₆ was 1.2 mL/L. The micro-morphology of the Mo/Ti/Zr conversion coating (MoTiZrCC) under the best conversion condition was relatively smooth and dense, and its phase compositions mainly consisted of MoO₃, Mo₂O₅, TiO₂, ZrO₂ and Al₂O₃. The MoTiZrCC could significantly improve corrosion resistance with the lower icorr and higher R_p, and the ACR of the MoTiZrCC could be reduced to 16.7% of the Al alloy matrix. Additionally, based on the above results, the formation mechanism for the MoTiZrCC was logically deduced.

A novel type of Co–Ti–Mo conversion coating (CoTiMoCC) was prepared on LY12 aluminum alloy, furthermore the optimal formula and the effect of conversion time (CTI) were studied in detail. The micromorphology and phase compositions were systematically investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the corrosion resistance was determined by dropping test, electrochemical tests, and immersion test. Results reveal that the best formula of CoTiMoCC is Co₂SO₄: 2.0 g/L, H₂TiF₆: 1.5 ml/L, and Na₂MoO₄: 1.0 g/L and the corresponding optimal CTI is 16 min. Significantly, the micromorphology of CoTiMoCC under the best conversion condition is relatively smooth, continuous, and dense, and the major elements on the surface are Co, Ti, Mo, Al, O, and F. The phase compositions mainly consist of CoO, Co₃O₄, MoO₃, Mo₂O₅, TiO₂, and Al₂O₃, as well as a small quantity of AlF₃·3H₂O and Na₃AlF₆. Compared with the Al alloy matrix, CoTiMoCC acquires an order of magnitude lower I_corr and thus significantly reduces its corrosion rate, which is also confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results. Further study of immersion test exhibits that the corrosion resistance of CoTiMoCC is approximately five times that of Al alloy matrix, and no obvious corrosion spots are generated on its surface.

This paper aims to develop a chromium‐free chemical conversion coating with good corrosion resistance. A novel chemical conversion coating was prepared on 6061 aluminum alloy by dipping in the treatment solution containing titanium/zirconium based‐ions and sodium metaphosphate and cerium nitrate hexahydrate as additives. The morphology and composition of the conversion coatings were observed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The microarea structure of conversion coatings at different formation stages was analyzed by electron probe microanalyzer. The electrochemical polarization curve revealed that the corrosion potential of the conversion coating was −0.577 V and the corrosion current density was 0.1148 μA/cm². The equivalent circuit fitted by AC impedance showed that the film resistance reaches 68,140 Ω. The formation of coating preferentially grows on the Al (Fe) Si intermetallic to form oxides of Ti and Zr; then TiO₂ formed by a higher concentration of Ti⁴⁺ gradually covered ZrO₂. Ce³⁺ could adsorb on the intermetallic compound, the hydrolysis of which causes the local pH of the solution to decrease and promotes the aluminum alloy dissolved.