Significant electromagnetic shielding boost via laser-cladded FeCoV coatings on 316 L stainless steel

316 L stainless steel is widely used in aerospace, medical, and marine applications. However, its limited magnetic conductivity and electromagnetic shielding (EMS) performance restrict its use in environments requiring effective electromagnetic interference protection. This study presents an innovative approach to overcoming these limitations by fabricating FeCoV alloy coatings on 316 L substrates via laser cladding. It is demonstrated that an optimized laser energy density of 167 J/mm² can promote a microstructure transition from columnar to equiaxed grains, accompanied by substantial refinement (Hall-Petch strengthening). The obtained coating exhibits exceptional electromagnetic shielding performance, with a shielding effectiveness of 37 dB and 99.98 % wave attenuation, primarily dominated by absorption loss. Moreover, the coatings also demonstrate remarkable mechanical enhancements, including a 1.9-fold increase in hardness, a 36 % reduction in friction coefficient, and an order-of-magnitude improvement in wear resistance compared to the bare substrate. This work provides a scalable strategy for engineering multifunctional coatings, effectively bridging the gap between mechanical durability and EMS performance for 316 L stainless steel in high-tech industries.