Stress-strain analysis of a composite ceramic coating B4C-BN deposited on a steel matrix by laser cladding

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Abstract

Coatings based on B4C-BN form a super-hard surface layer with an ultra-low friction coefficient and are promising for friction pairs with high relative sliding friction velocities. Using the laser cladding method for coating deposition ensures its strong adhesive contact with the metal matrix because of high processing temperatures. The paper analyzes the stress-strain state of the composite surface layer formed during cooling at a high (up to 105 K/s) cooling rate. The structure of the coating, which has an amorphous-crystalline structure, and its effect on the stress state are analyzed. It was revealed that crystal inclusions of boron nitride with a characteristic size between 30 and 50 nm are embedded into the amorphous matrix. Then, using the methods of mathematical modeling of the thermal loading cycle, the level of residual stresses is calculated. Based on the simulation results, the following mechanism has been confirmed. The sequential cladding of tracks (i.e. elements of the coating) leads to a complex thermo-mechanical interaction. In the coating and surficial region of the matrix, the alternating in time and space stress is formed. It leads to generation of stress points between individual tracks, hence, to the development of transverse cracks. At the same time, there is no significant stress in the direction perpendicular to the surface. Therefore, cracks along the coating–matrix interface are absent and this explains a strong bounding between the coating and metallic matrix. In addition, the elastic energy and stress relaxation as a result of crack formation are studied. A decrease of the elastic energy up to 60–70 % is predicted, that diminishes the residual stresses to the level of about 500 MPa. The obtained results apply to optimize laser processing regimes in order to get coatings with the lowest level of residual stresses.

Keywords

ceramic coatings for steellaser synthesissurfacingboron carbideboron nitrideresidual stressesstress-strain state

Bibliography

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Article information

Published
8 December 2025
Issue date
8 December 2025
Issue
No. 4 (2025)
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