Fig. 1 Schematic of the selective LSA processing

Fig. 2 SEM images of all LSA samples with different ZrO2 fractions. The plain-view SEM images of the treated zones with: a 5 wt% ZrO2, b 10 wt% ZrO2, c 15 wt% ZrO2, d 20 wt% ZrO2, and e 25 wt% ZrO2. f cross-sectional SEM image of the LSA sample

Fig. 3 XRD patterns of the samples with different fractions of ZrO2

Fig. 4 Elemental distribution of the treated zone obtained by EDS. Only one sample with 25 wt% ZrO2 was examined on the surface, showing four elements of Zr, Cr, Ni, and Fe

Fig. 5 HRTEM of the treated zone

Fig. 6 Variations in the microhardness, UTS, YS and EL with the particle fraction of the all samples: a microhardness profiles. The measurement direction is perpendicular from the sample surface to the internal; b UTS, YS and EL curves

Fig. 7 Accumulative wear mass loss as a function of the ZrO2 fraction. Wear test for 30 min was conducted for all samples

Fig. 8 Morphologies of the worn surface of all samples: a as-received sample, b FAP, c 5 wt%, d 10 wt%, e 15 wt%, f 20 wt%, g 25 wt%