Properties of electro-spark deposited coatings modified via laser beam

The main purpose of this work was to determine the influence of laser treatment on microstructure, X-ray diffraction, microhardness, surface geometric structure, corrosion resistance, adhesion tests and tribological properties of coatings deposited on C45 carbon steel by the electro-spark deposition (ESD) process. The studies were conducted using WC-Cu electrodes produced by the powder metallurgy method. The tests show that the laser-treated electro-spark deposited WC-Cu coatings are characterized by higher corrosion resistance, adhesion, surface geometric structure and seizure resistance which result from lower microhardness. The laser treatment process causes the homogenization of the chemical composition, structure refinement and healing of microcracks and pores of the electro-spark deposited coatings. Laser treated ESD coatings can be applied in sliding friction pairs and as protective coatings.