Microstructural and tribological observations in metallic glass forming alloy layers produced by high-power lasers

摘要

Layers of Cu-based metallic glass forming compositions have been produced using high-power lasers. Laser surface remelting and laser cladding techniques provide sufficient cooling rates to form amorphous individual laser tracks and even coatings. The layers have been characterised by SEM, TEM, confocal and optical microscopy which have shown the layers may be fully amorphous, or (nano)crystalline. Hardness testing reveals that high hardness values are attainable for the layers (＞ 700 HV). Shear banding is found to be initiated during indentation testing. The processing of laser remelted layers developed from initial cladding has been analyzed and parameters are outlined which govern layer thickness, track width and ultimately the microstructural appearance of the layers.