Abstract:Ni60A cladding layers with different contents of rare earth CeO2 were prepared on the surface of 6063 aluminum alloys using a laser cladding technique. Then the microstructure and hardness of CeO2+Ni60A cladding layers were analyzed. The optimal content of rare earth was selected, and the wear resistance of CeO2+Ni60A cladding layers was analyzed. The results show that Ni60A cladding layers with less than 2% CeO2 are prone to pores, but more than 2% are prone to cracks. When 2% CeO2 is added, the cladding layer has better quality and least microstructure deficiencies, and also higher surface hardness. Rare earth content should not be more than 4%, and an excess of CeO2 has little effect on improving the hardness of the cladding layers; when the CeO2 content ranges from 0% to 2%, the hardness increases significantly with the increases of content. In the same abrasive wear conditions, the wear resistance of 2% CeO2 + Ni60A cladding layer is 7.1 times as that of aluminum alloy substrate, and 1.6 times of that of Ni60A cladding layer. The surface friction coefficient can be greatly reduced by laser cladding Ni60A layer, and adding Ce can improve the stability of the cladding layer friction coefficient, thereby improving the wear resistance.