Microstructure of Zr-alloyed coating using pulsed laser

Coatings were synthesized by laser alloying of zirconium (Zr) particles using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser on an austenite stainless steel. The distribution of Zr is uneven, in a depth of 18 mum just below the surface of the pool. The coating consisted of duplex microstructures, i.e. metallic glass (MG) and austenite. The MG formed in Zr-contained regions, with the Zr composition ranging from 7.6 to 16.8 at.%. The formation of the MG was attributed to an increase in glass-forming ability by Zr addition.