In-situ reinforced phase evolution and wear resistance of nickel-based composite coatings fabricated by wide-band laser cladding with Nb addition

•High quality nickel composite coatings were deposited by wide band laser cladding.•The addition of Nb enhances the microstructure uniformity of precipitated phase in cladding layer.•The morphology and distribution of the in-situ synthesized reinforced phases evolved with the increase of Nb addition.•The low friction confficient and high wear resistance was achieved by agglomeration effects of fine grained NbC phase.