Physical and chemical phenomena occurring between solid ceramics and liquid metals and alloys at laser and plasma composite coatings formation: A review

The review describes the physical and chemical phenomena occurring between solid ceramics used as reinforcement and liquid metals and alloys used as matrix in the composite coatings. Initially, the properties of typical matrix metals as Ni, Co, Fe and alloys as Ni-based (NiCr, NiAl, NiCrAlY,…) and Co-based (Stellites) alloys in liquid state are described. Then, the phenomena related to the diffusion of some atoms such as nitrogen or carbon in liquid metals and alloys solidification are described. Subsequently, the phenomena at the interface between liquid metals and alloys and solid ceramics such as oxides or carbides during the coatings' formation are reviewed. Finally, the methods of composite coatings deposition using laser cladding and plasma transferred arc are described and the properties of the composite coatings related to their microstructure are discussed by taking into account the phenomena in melt-pool.