Effect of laser treatment on micro-structure and properties of cast magnesium alloys

Purpose: The goal of this paper is to present the structure and properties of the cast magnesium alloy after laser treatment. Design/methodology/approach: The laser treatment of magnesium alloys with TiC, WC powders was carried out using a high power diode laser (HDPL). The resulting microstructure in the modified surface layer was examined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope. Phase composition was determined by the X-ray diffraction method using the XPert device. The measurements of hardness and wear resistance of the modified surface layer were also studied. Findings: The region after laser treatment has a fine microstructure with hard carbide particles. Hardness of laser surface layer with both TiC and WC particles was improved as compared to alloy without laser treatment. Research limitations/implications: In this research two powders (WC and TiC) were used with the particle size over 5 ěm. This investigation presents different laser power by one process speed rates. Practical implications: The results obtained in this investigation were promising towards compared other conventional processes. High Power Diode Laser can be used as an economical substitute of Nd:YAG and CO2 to improve the surface magnesium alloy by feeding the carbide particles. Originality/value: The originality of this work is applying of High Power Diode Laser for alloying of magnesium alloy using hard particles like tungsten and titanium carbides.