Effect of surface pretreatment on the microstructure and conductivity of laser directed energy deposited (TC4+TiC)/CuCrZr composites

During electromagnetic launch, friction and high temperatures under high-velocity sliding exacerbate electrical erosion at the rail contact interface, significantly affecting both current conduction efficiency and launch stability. To enhance the service life of electromagnetic launch rails while preserving their inherently excellent electrical conductivity, this study employs laser directed energy deposited technology to fabricate a titanium matrix composite (TC4+TiC) cladding layer on a CuCrZr copper alloy. By controlling the laser processing parameters and comparing three distinct surface pretreatment methods—cold spray Ti treatment, shot peening, and untreated surface—this paper investigates the microstructure and electrical conductivity of the material interface following laser directed energy deposited.