An Introduction on the Laser Cladding Coatings on Magnesium Alloys

Abstract

Magnesium alloys are a promising structural material to be used as a substitute for metals traditionally used in the automotive and aircraft sector. However, magnesium alloys have poor mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. These handicaps can be overcome through the application of coatings with improved properties. Laser cladding is a potential coating fabrication process. Furthermore, the low vaporization temperature of magnesium and the coating-substrate dilution problems increase the difficulty to coat magnesium substrates. The aim of this research is to analyze the state of art in magnesium laser cladding and investigate the effect of the most important fabrication parameters on the interaction of the different coating-substrate systems used on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. In addition, this work provides a guidance on laser cladding best practices for these alloys. Knowledge of how the different coating manufacturing parameters affect the final surface properties of magnesium alloys is essential for the implantation of these materials in applications for which they are currently limited.