Fig. 1. Macroscopic morphologies of cladding layers

Fig. 2. Microstructures of cladding layers

Fig. 3. XRD patterns of cladding layers

Fig. 4. Testing points positions in EDS analysis of middle zone of cladding layers. (a) TCN1; (b) TCN2; (c) TCN3

Fig. 5. EDS map scanning analysis of TCN2 cladding layer. (a) Ti element enrichment area; (b) Al element enrichment area; (c) C element enrichment area; (d) N element enrichment area

Fig. 6. Schematics of MAX phase formation principle. (a) Phase 1; (b) phase 2; (c) phase 3; (d) core-shell structure of TiC_1－xN_x/ MAX phase

Fig. 7. Microhardness of cladding layers