Research Progress on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Strengthening Mechanisms of In Situ-Synthesized Ceramic-Reinforced Titanium Matrix Composite Coatings via Laser Cladding

The laser cladding (LC) of titanium matrix composite coatings (TMCCs) on titanium components not only effectively enhances the wear resistance, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility of titanium and its alloys, but also circumvents the incompatibility and low bonding strength issues associated with other metallic composite coatings. While the incorporation of ceramic particles is a critical strategy for improving the coating performance, the limited interfacial bonding strength between ceramic particles and the matrix has historically constrained its advancement. To further elevate its performance and meet the demands of components operating in harsh environments, researchers worldwide have employed LC to synthesize in situ hard ceramic reinforcements such as TiC, TiB, TiN, and others within TMCCs on titanium substrates. This approach successfully addresses the aforementioned challenges, achieving coatings that combine a high interfacial bonding strength with superior mechanical properties. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the processing techniques, phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of in situ-synthesized ceramic-reinforced TMCCs via LC on titanium components, with a focused summary of their strengthening mechanisms. Furthermore, it critically discusses the challenges and future prospects for advancing this technology.