Microstructure and Properties of Multi-Element Ceramic-Reinforced 316L Stainless Steel Composite Coatings by Laser Directed Energy Deposition
摘要
316L stainless steel is widely used in functional coatings due to its excellent corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and processability. Transition metal carbide/nitride ceramics can further enhance these coatings owing to their superior mechanical properties. In this study, laser directed energy deposition was employed to fabricate five ceramic-reinforced 316L composite coatings. Microstructural and property analyses revealed that multi-element ceramic addition refined grain structure, induced lattice distortion, and promoted Nb/Mo-rich Laves phase precipitation. With 10% ceramic addition, coating hardness increased by 40% while wear volume decreased by 33.7%, alongside significantly improved corrosion resistance. These strengthening effects originate from the synergistic effect of solid solution strengthening, grain refinement, and second-phase strengthening, presenting a promising strategy for high-performance stainless steel coatings.
Graphical Abstract