Laser Cladding Treatment to Enhance the Corrosin Resistance and Surface Hardness by Electrophoretic Coatings to A283 Steel

Laser cladding (LC) is a laser-based surface modification technology that has been widely adopted for the development of thin layers that operate under harsh conditions. Corrosion contributes to approximately 50% of oil and refinery equipment failures. These major risks require sophisticated methods to improve oil equipment performance. LC promotes the generation of superior properties on the substrate surface, which improves service life. To reduce corrosion failure and enhance life cycles, we conducted electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of Ti and Ni powders and directly coated them on A283 steel alloy, which was alloyed by ND-YAG LC and the remelted surface of A283 steel alloy. The microstructure, element distribution and phase analysis of the cladding sample were studied by optical microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy-dispersive spectrometry, atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. The results indicated that the coatings with fine metallurgical bonding to the substrate comprised major stable FeTi and FeNi and illustrated two different regions of solidification microstructures. The LC process and powder feeding by EPD were applied, which improved the mechanical properties, corrosion behaviour, phase transformation and structural optimisation of the surface microstructure of the laser mixed zone. Melting of the coated sample showed that the coating produced by laser treatment had a smooth top surface. In addition, we have a proven case of surface treatment with a laser that delivered the required performance. Moreover, this treatment is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional surface preparation treatments.