Showing papers in "Journal of Thermal Spray Technology in 2002"

An analysis of the cold spray process and its coatings

Abstract: In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and extensive spray tests were performed for detailed analyses of the cold spray process. The modeling of the gas and particle flow field for different nozzle geometries and process parameters in correlation with the results of the experiments reveal that adhesion only occurs when the powder particles exceed a critical impact velocity that is specific to the spray material. For spherical copper powder with low oxygen content, the critical velocity was determined to be about 570 m/s. With nitrogen as the process gas and particle grain sizes from 5–25 µm, deposition efficiencies of more than 70% were achieved. The cold sprayed coatings show negligible porosity and oxygen contents comparable to the initial powder feedstock. Therefore, properties such as the electrical conductivity at room temperature correspond to those of the bulk material. The methods presented here can also be applied to develop strategies for cold spraying of other materials such as zinc, stainless steel, or nickel-based super-alloys.

Relationships between the microstructure and properties of thermally sprayed deposits

Abstract: Thermally sprayed deposits have layered structure composed of individual splats. The individual splats have quenching microstructure of quasi-stable preferred fine grains. However, this fine-grained microstructure of the deposits is usually not reflected by improved performance of the deposits because a layered structure with two-dimensional voids occurs between lamellar interfaces. The microstructure of the thermal spray deposits with the emphasis on the layer structural parameters is reviewed. Conventionally, one of the most common quantitative parameters used to characterize the microstructure of the thermally sprayed deposits is the porosity, measured by different methods. However, it is illustrated that the relationships between properties and porosity for bulk porous materials processed by conventional processes cannot be applied to thermally sprayed deposits owing to the two-dimensional characteristics of voids. The total porosity in the deposits is not meaningful from the viewpoint of prediction of the deposit properties. An idealized structural model and related parameters, instead of porosity, are proposed to characterize quantitatively the microstructure of the thermally sprayed deposit. The relationships between the properties and the structural parameters are presented for the plasma-sprayed ceramic deposits based on the proposed microstructure model. The properties include the Young’s modulus, fracture toughness, erosion resistance, and thermal conductivity of the plasma sprayed ceramic deposits. The correlations of theoretical relationships with reported experimental data are discussed. An agreement of theoretical with observed values suggests that the lamellar structure of the deposit with limited interface bonding is the dominant factor controlling the performance of the deposit.

Splat shapes in a thermal spray coating process: Simulations and experiments

Abstract: We studied the deposition of nickel particles in a plasma spray on a stainless steel surface using both experiments and numerical simulations. We developed a three-dimensional computational model of free-surface fluid flow that includes heat transfer and solidification and used it to simulate the impact of nickel partcles. In our experiments, particles landing on a polished stainless steel surface at a temperature below 300 °C splashed and formed irregular splats, whereas those deposited on substrates heated above 400 °C formed round disk splats. Simulations showed that formation of fingers around the periphery of a spreading drop is caused by the presence of a solid layer. Droplets that spread completely before the onset of solidification will not splash. To sufficiently delay the instant at which solidification started in our simulations to obtain disk splats, we had to increase the thermal contact resistance between the droplet and the substrate by an order of magnitude. We measured the thickness of the oxide layer on the test surfaces used in our experiments and confirmed that heating them creates an oxide layer on the surface that increases the thermal contact resistance. We demonstrated that the numerical model could be used to simulate the deposition of multiple droplets on a surface to build up a coating.

Arc instabilities in a plasma spray torch

Abstract: The control over coating quality in plasma spraying is partly dependent on the arc and jet instabilities of the plasma torch. Different forms of instabilities have been observed with different effects on the coating quality. We report on an investigation of these instabilities based on high-speed end-on observation of the arc. The framing rate of 40,500 frames per second has allowed the visualization of the anode attachment movement and the determination of the thickness of the cold-gas boundary layer surrounding the arc. The images have been synchronized with voltage traces. Data have been obtained for a range of arc currents, and mass flow rates for different gas injectors and for anodes displaying different amounts of wear. The analysis of the data has led to quantitative correlations between the cold-gas boundary layer thickness and the instability mode for the range of operating parameters. The arc instabilities can be seen to enhance the plasma jet instabilities and the cold-gas entrainment. These results are particularly useful for guiding plasma torch design and operation in minimizing the influence of plasma jet instabilities on coating properties.

Cold spray nozzle mach number limitation

Abstract: The classic one-dimensional isentropic flow approach is used along with a two-dimensional axisymmetric numerical model to show that the exit Mach number of a cold spray nozzle should be limited due to two factors. To show this, the two-dimensional model is validated with experimental data. Although both models show that the stagnation temperature is an important limiting factor, the one-dimensional approach fails to show how important the shock-particle interactions are at limiting the nozzle Mach number. It is concluded that for an air nozzle spraying solid powder particles, the nozzle Mach number should be set between 1.5 and 3 to limit the negative effects of the high stagnation temperature and of the shock-particle interactions.

Examination of the wear properties of HVOF sprayed nanostructured and conventional WC-Co cermets with different binder phase contents

Abstract: There has been an increase in interest of late regarding the properties of thermally sprayed WC-Co cermets with nanograin carbide particles. These powders have shown interesting properties in sintered components, giving high values of hardness (2200–2300 VHN) and improved wear properties. The method used for the processing for these materials—solution formation, spray drying and chemical conversion, rather than introduction of WC as solid particles to a molten binder—allows the formation of sub-100 nm WC particles as a hard second phase.

Independent Control of HVOF Particle Velocity and Temperature

Abstract: Independent control of high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spray particle velocity and temperature has not been possible in the past, confusing the effect of either parameter on coating properties. This study describes a method by which velocity and temperature may be varied independently. Commercial HVOF equipment that was fitted with a special conical supersonic nozzle having four distinct particle injection locations was used. The present results, which were predicted in simulations and demonstrated in experiments, revealed several pertinent facts. First, particle velocity is principally related to combustion chamber pressure and is relatively unaffected by other design or operating conditions. Second, particle temperature is related to particle residence time within the nozzle, which can be controlled by the choice of particle injection location. In these experiments, the impact velocity and temperature of stainless steel particles were controlled within the ranges 340 to 660 m/s and 1630 to 2160 K, respectively. This range of parameters produced significant variations in splat morphology, coating microstructure, and coating oxide content. Such particle control allows the effects of velocity and temperature on coating properties to be assessed and controlled independently. These results also have commercial application, potentially enabling the user to tailor particle impact velocity and temperature to achieve specific coating properties.

A comparison of the corrosion behavior of WC-Co-Cr and WC-Co HVOF thermally sprayed coatings by in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM)

Abstract: The corrosion behavior of WC-Co-Cr and WC-Co high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) sprayed coatings were examined in static saline conditions. Direct current (DC) polarization tests were conducted and the electrochemical corrosion behavior was shown, by in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to be complex because of the composite ceramic-metal nature of the coating. The addition of chromium to the matrix greatly enhanced the corrosion resistance of the coating.

Mechanisms of fatigue failure in thermal spray coatings

Abstract: The aim of this experimental study was to ascertain the fatigue failure modes of thermal spray coatings in rolling/sliding contact. These failure modes outline the design requirements of thermal spray coatings for high-stress tribological applications including impact and point or line contact loading. Recently, a number of scientific studies have addressed the fatigue performance and durability of thermal spray coatings in rolling/sliding contact, but investigations on the mechanisms of these failures are seldom reported. The understanding of such failure mechanisms is, however, critical in optimizing the generic design of these overlay coatings. This study takes a holistic approach to summarize the results of ongoing research on various cermet (WC-Co) and ceramic (Al2O3) coatings deposited by detonation gun (D-Gun), high-velocity oxyfuel (HVOF), and high-velocity plasma spraying (HVPS) techniques, in a range of coating thickness (20–250 µm) on various steel substrates to deliver an overview of the various competing failure modes. Results indicate four distinct modes of fatigue failure in thermal spray cermet and ceramic coatings: abrasion, delamination, bulk failure, and spalling. The influences of coating process, thickness, materials, properties of substrate materials, and prespray conditions on these fatigue failure modes are also discussed. A modified four-ball machine was used to investigate these failure modes under various tribological conditions of contact stress and lubrication regimes in conventional steel and hybrid ceramic contact configurations. Results are discussed in terms of pre- and post-test surface examination of rolling elements using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microscopy analysis (EPMA), and surface interferometry, as well as subsurface observations using x-ray diffraction (XRD), residual stress analysis, and dye-penetrant investigations.

Effect of particle state on the adhesive strength of HVOF sprayed metallic coating

Abstract: NiCrBSi and Ni-50Cr coatings were deposited using the high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spray process under different spray parameters with two powders of different sizes to clarify the influence of the melting state of spray particles on the adhesive strength of the coating. The adhesive strength of the coating was estimated according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C633-79. The melting state of the spray droplet was examined from the coating microstructure. It was found that the melting state of spray particles had a significant effect on the adhesive strength of HVOF sprayed Ni-based coatings. The significant melting of the spray particle did not contribute to the increase in the adhesion of HVOF metallic coatings. On the other hand, the deposition of a partially melted large particle contributed to the substantial improvement of adhesive strength of the HVOF coating. The subsequent coating presented a dense microstructure and yielded an adhesive strength of more than 76 MPa, which was double that of the coating deposited with completely molten particles. It can be suggested that the good melting of the spray particle is mainly related to the mechanical interlocking effect, which reaches the limited and approximately defined adhesive strength up to 40–50 MPa.

Microstructure and stresses in HVOF sprayed iron aluminide coatings

Abstract: The microstructure and state of stress present in Fe3Al coatings produced by high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) thermal spraying in air at varying particle velocities were characterized using metallography, curvature measurements, x-ray analysis, and microhardness measurements. Sound coatings were produced for all conditions. The microstructures of coatings prepared at higher velocities showed fewer unmelted particles and a greater extent of deformation. Residual stresses in the coatings were compressive and varied from nearly zero at the lowest velocity to approximately −450 MPa at the highest velocity. X-ray line broadening analyses revealed a corresponding increase in the extent of cold work present in the coating, which was also reflected in increased microhardness. Values of mean coefficient of thermal expansion obtained for assprayed coatings using x-ray analysis were significantly lower than those for powder and bulk alloy.

The Long-Term Stability of Plasma Spraying

Abstract: The wear state of the different gun parts can affect the reproducibility of the plasma spray process. Indeed, this may influence the plasma characteristics and the energy transfer to the sprayed particles resulting in significant changes in the coating attributes. In this contribution, results from a detailed investigation on the stability of plasma spraying are presented.[1] Specifically designed diagnostic tools were used to study the evolution of key parameters of a plasma spray process during a long-term experiment. A comprehensive analysis was carried out on the collected set of data, with an emphasis on the correlation that may exist among the data. Results show significant variations in the particle state and gun characteristics with spraying time. These variations are reflected in the microstructure of the sprayed coatings. The investigation also gives some indication about how the spray process could be controlled.

Corrosion Behavior of HVOF-Sprayed and Nd-YAG Laser-Remelted High-Chromium, Nickel-Chromium Coatings

Abstract: Thermal spray processes are widely used to deposit high-chromium, nickel-chromium coatings to improve high temperature oxidation and corrosion behavior. However, despite the efforts made to improve the present spraying techniques, such as high-velocity oxyfuel (HVOF) and plasma spraying, these coatings may still exhibit certain defects, such as unmelted particles, oxide layers at splat boundaries, porosity, and cracks, which are detrimental to corrosion performance in severe operating conditions. Because of the process temperature, only mechanical bonding is obtained between the coating and substrate. Laser remelting of the sprayed coatings was studied in order to overcome the drawbacks of sprayed structures and to markedly improve the coating properties. The coating material was high-chromium, nickel-chromium alloy, which contains small amounts of molybdenum and boron (53.3% Cr, 42.5% Ni, 2.5% Mo, 0.5% B). The coatings were prepared by HVOF spraying onto mild steel substrates. A high-power, fiber-coupled, continuous-wave Nd:YAG laser equipped with large beam optics was used to remelt the HVOF-sprayed coating using different levels of scanning speed and beam width (10 or 20 mm). Coating that was remelted with the highest traverse speed suffered from cracking because of the rapid solidification inherent to laser processing. However, after the appropriate laser parameters were chosen, nonporous, crack-free coatings with minimal dilution between coating and substrate were produced. Laser remelting resulted in the formation of a dense oxide layer on top of the coatings and full homogenization of the sprayed structure. The coatings as sprayed and after laser remelting were characterized by optical and electron microscopy (OM, SEM, respectively). Dilution between coating and substrate was studied with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The properties of the laser-remelted coatings were directly compared with properties of as-sprayed HVOF coatings.

Sealing procedures for thick thermal barrier coatings

Abstract: Zirconia-based 8Y2O3-ZrO2 and 22MgO-ZrO2 thick thermal barrier coatings (TTBC, 1000 µm), were studied with different sealing methods for diesel engine applications. The aim of the sealing procedure was to improve hot corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of porous TBC coatings. The surface of TTBCs was sealed with three different methods: (1) impregnation with phosphate-based sealant, (2) surface melting by laser glazing, and (3) spraying of dense top coating with a detonation gun. The thicknesses of the densified top layers were 50–400 µm, depending on the sealing procedure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed some minor phase changes and reaction products caused by phosphate-based sealing treatment and some crystal orientation changes and phase changes in laser-glazed coatings. The porosity of the outer layer of the sealed coating decreased in all cases, which led to increased microhardness values. The hot corrosion resistance of TTBCs against 60Na2SO4-40V2O5 deposit was determined in isothermal exposure at 650 °C for 200 h. Corrosion products and phase changes were studied with XRD after the test. A short-term engine test was performed for the reference coatings (8Y2O3-ZrO2 and 22MgO-ZrO2) and for the phosphate-sealed coatings. Engine tests, duration of 3 h, were performed at the maximum load of the engine and were intended to evaluate the thermal cycling resistance of the sealed coatings. All of the coatings passed the engine test, but some vertical cracks were detected in the phosphate-sealed coatings.

Selection Criteria for Wear Resistant Powder Coatings Under Extreme Erosive Wear Conditions

Abstract: Wear-resistant thermal spray coatings for sliding wear are hard but brittle (such as carbide and oxide based coatings), which makes them useless under impact loading conditions and sensitive to fatigue. Under extreme conditions of erosive wear (impact loading, high hardness of abrasives, and high velocity of abradant particles), composite coatings ensure optimal properties of hardness and toughness. The article describes tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) systems and self-fluxing alloys, containing tungsten carbide based hardmetal particles [NiCrSiB-(WC-Co)] deposited by the detonation gun, continuous detonation spraying, and spray fusion processes. Different powder compositions and processes were studied, and the effect of the coating structure and wear parameters on the wear resistance of coatings are evaluated. The dependence of the wear resistance of sprayed and fused coatings on their hardness is discussed, and hardness criteria for coating selection are proposed. The so-called “double cemented” structure of WC-Co based hardmetal or metal matrix composite coatings, as compared with a simple cobalt matrix containing particles of WC, was found optimal. Structural criteria for coating selection are provided. To assist the end user in selecting an optimal deposition method and materials, coating selection diagrams of wear resistance versus hardness are given. This paper also discusses the cost-effectiveness of coatings in the application areas that are more sensitive to cost, and composite coatings based on recycled materials are offered.

Volatilization of metal powders in plasma sprays

Abstract: Ideally, plasma spraying of metal powders must take place within a narrow processing “window” where the particles become fully molten before they hit the substrate, but are not overheated to the point that substantial volatilization occurs. Metal evaporation in flight results in a decrease in the deposition efficiency. In addiiton, the emission of vapors leads to the formation of metal and oxide fumes that are undesirable from the viewpoints of both resource conservation and environmental control. This study examines the vaporization and fume formation in the plasma spraying of iron powders of different size ranges. The experimental part involves the determination of the population (number density) of metal atoms at different cross sections along the trajectory of the plasma jet, and the collection of the submicronic particles resulting from vapor condensation. The experimental results are compared with the projections of a mathematical model that computes the gas/particle velocity and temperature fields within the jet envelope, projects the rate of heat/mass transfer at the surface of individual particles, and determines the rate of volatilization that results in the formation of metal and metal oxide fumes.

Finite element analysis of effect of substrate surface roughness on liquid droplet impact and flattening process

Abstract: A computational program using the finite element method has been developed to simulate the impact and flattening of a metal droplet impacting onto a solid surface with different surface roughness occurring in the plasma thermal spray. The model is based on Navier-Stokes equations combining with friction conditions on the substrate surface to simulate the effect of substrate surface roughness on the flattening process of the droplet. In this study, a moving free surface model based on the Lagrangian method with an automatic adaptive remeshing technique has been developed to handle the large deformation of droplets and to ensure the computational accuracy of the numerical results. The numerical results show that the substrate surface roughness has a significant influence on the spreading velocity, flattening ratio, flattening time, splat size, and shape. The spreading process of a droplet is governed not only by the inertia and viscous forces, but also by the frictional resistance of the substrate surface.

Splat morphology and microstructure of plasma sprayed cast iron with different preheat substrate temperatures

Abstract: A cast iron coating is a prime candidate for the surface modification of aluminum alloys for antiwear applications because cast iron is inexpensive and exhibits superior wear resistance arising from the self-lubricating properties of graphite. In the present study, fundamental aspects of a plasma sprayed cast iron coating on an aluminum alloy substrate, including (1) the effects of preheat substrate temperature on the splat morphology, (2) the formation of a reaction layer and pores, and (3) the splat microstructure, were investigated in low-pressure plasma spraying. With an increasing substrate temperature, the splat morphology changes from a splash type to a disk and star shape. Deformed substrate ridges mainly resulting from the slight surface melting, are recognized adjacent to the splat periphery at high substrate temperatures. The flattening ratio of disk splats decreases with substrate temperature because the ridges act as an obstacle for splat expansion. A reaction layer composed of iron, aluminum, and oxygen is ready to form at high substrate temperatures, which, along with the deformed ridges, improves the adhesive strength of splats. However, the pores appear at the splat interface at low substrate temperatures, which hinder the formation of a reaction layer. The amount of graphitized carbon increases in cast iron splats with an increase in substrate temperature.

Microhardness as a simple means of estimating relative wear resistance of carbide thermal spray coatings: Part 1. characterization of cemented carbide coatings

Abstract: A selection of WC-Co and Cr3C2-25%NiCr coatings deposited by plasma spraying and high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) were tested. The microstructures of the coatings were characterized, and their mechanical properties were assessed using Knoop microindentation procedures. The coatings were also subjected to various wear tests. All of the coatings were at least 200 µm thick and were deposited onto stainless steel substrates. The wear tests simulated abrasion, cavitation wear, sliding wear, and particle erosion wear. In this first part of a two-part contribution, the microstructures of the coatings are characterized and a discussion on the evaluation of mechanical properties from the microindentation response is presented. The nature of microhardness testing as applied to thermal spray coatings is evaluated as a means of assessing resistance to plastic flow, elasticity, and brittleness. In Part 2, the results of the various wear simulations are reported, and the utility of microhardness as an indicator of wear resistance is examined.

Calibration of a two-color imaging pyrometer and its use for particle measurements in controlled air plasma spray experiments

Abstract: Advances in digital imaging technology have enabled the development of sensors that can measure the temperature and velocity of individual thermal spray particles over a large volume of the spray plume simultaneously using imaging pyrometry (IP) and particle streak velocimetry (PSV). This paper describes calibration, uncertainty analysis, and particle measurements with a commercial IP-PSV particle sensor designed for measuring particles in an air plasma spray (APS) process. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and molybdenum powders were sprayed in the experiments. An energy balance model of the spray torch was used to manipulate the average particle velocity and temperature in desired ways to test the response of the sensor to changes in the spray characteristics. Time-resolved particle data were obtained by averaging particle streaks in each successive image acquired by the sensor. Frame average particle velocity and temperature were found to fluctuate by 10% during 6 s acquisition periods. These fluctuations, caused by some combination of arc instability, turbulence, and unsteady powder feeding, contribute substantially to the overall particle variability in the spray plume.

Dynamic hardness of detonation sprayed WC-Co coatings

Abstract: The objective of the present work was to determine the dynamic hardness of WC-Co coatings from the dynamic hardness of the coating substrate system. It was also the purpose of this work to evaluate the influence of coating composition, coating thickness, and substrate materials on the dynamic hardness of the coating. To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, WC-12%Co and WC-17%Co coatings were deposited by detonation spraying on three different substrate materials: mild steel, commercially pure (CP) aluminum, and CP titanium. The dynamic hardness of the coating/substrate composite was evaluated by a drop weight system. The dynamic hardness of the coating independent of the substrate was determined from the dynamic hardness of the coating/substrate composite.

Effect of interface wetting on flattening of freely fallen metal droplet onto flat substrate surface

Abstract: A free-falling experiment was conducted as a simulation of a thermal spray process. The flattening behavior of the freely fallen metal droplet impinged onto a flat substrate surface was investigated in a fundamental way. The substrates were kept at various temperatures, and the substrates were coated with gold by physical vapor deposition (PVD) and were prepared in order to investigate the effect of wetting at the splat-substrate interface on the flattening behavior of the droplet. A falling atmosphere was created with atmospheric pressure of nitrogen to prevent the oxidation of the melted droplet. Experiments under low-pressure conditions also were conducted. The different types of splat morphology were recognized in experiments conducted under a nitrogen atmosphere with atmospheric pressure. The splat morphology on a substrate at room temperature was of the splash type, whereas that on a substrate at high temperature was of the disk type. The microstructure observed on a cross-section of the splat obtained on the substrate at room temperature was an isotropic coarse grain, whereas that on the substrate at high temperature was a fine columnar grain. The grain size changed transitionally with increasing substrate temperature. The temperature of the transition on the gold-coated substrate was higher than that on the naked substrate. The microstructure of the cross-section of the splat obtained under low pressure was finely columnar even on the substrate at room temperature. The results indicate that the metal droplet wets better under the low-pressure condition than under the atmospheric pressure nitrogen condition and that wetting has a significant role in the flattening of the droplet.

Effect of substrate surface roughness on the adherence of NiCrAlY thermal spray coatings

Abstract: The adherence of plasma sprayed NiCrAlY bond coats can be improved by an appropriate substrate surface finish. The interface fracture energy for crack propagation along the coating/substrate interface has been measured for different surface roughness by means of a specially designed four-point bending test. An increase of the interface fracture energy of about 15% was observed for a three times higher surface roughness. In addition, four-point bending tests with the coating on the side face of bending specimens were performed to analyze the fracture and spalling behavior of the coatings both under large tensile and compressive substrate deformations.

Simulation and application of a HVOF process for MCrAIY thermal spraying

Abstract: This work deals with numerical simulation and application of a high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) process for MCrAlY thermal spraying. The main objective of this study was to observe the correlations between coating oxidation and oxygen content in combustion products or flame temperature. Spray parameters were selected on the basis of the numerical simulation of combustion and particle behavior in the flame. The results of experiments revealed that the oxygen content is not the main key factor concerning the oxidation rate of MCrAlY coatings. On the contrary, the flame temperature has a decisive influence on oxidation. Combustion conditions corresponding to stoichiometric factors between 0.82 and 1.2 appeared not to be favorable for MCrAlY thermal spraying. Outside this range, it appeared preferable to use a combustion system on the fuel-rich side.

Use of microhardness as a simple means of estimating relative wear resistance of carbide thermal spray coatings: Part 2. Wear resistance of cemented carbide coatings

Abstract: A selection of WC-Co and Cr3C2-25%NiCr coatings produced by plasma spray and high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) deposition techniques were subjected to various wear tests designed to simulate abrasion, cavitation, sliding, and particle erosion type wear mechanisms. All of the coatings were at least 200 µm thick and were deposited onto stainless steel substrates. In Part 1 of this contribution, the microstructures of the coatings were characterized and their mechanical properties were assessed using microindentation procedures. In this second part of the article, the behavior of the coatings when subjected to the various wear tests is reported and the utility of microhardness testing as an indication of relative wear resistance is discussed. It is shown that correctly performed, appropriate microhardness measurements are a good indication of abrasion resistance and sliding wear resistance, and also correlate well with cavitation resistance in Cr3C2-NiCr. The measurements were less useful for predicting erosion resistance for both Cr3C2-NiCr and WC-Co, however, and for abrasion resistance when WC-Co was ground against SiC. Here the contribution of micromechanisms involving fracturing and brittle failure is greater than that indicated by the coating microhardness, which is essentially a measurement of resistance to plastic deformation under equilibrium conditions.

Microstructural study of aluminum phosphate-sealed, plasma-sprayed chromium oxide coating

Abstract: Microstructural characterization of aluminum phosphate-sealed, plasma-sprayed chromium oxide coating was carried out in order to study the strengthening mechanisms of the aluminum phosphate sealant in the coating. Characterization was performed using x-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and analytical transmission electron microscopy. The structure of the sealed coating was lamellar with columnar α-Cr2O3 grains extending through the lamella thickness. Amorphous aluminum phosphate sealant had penetrated into the structural defects of the coating such as cracks, gaps, and pores between the lamellae. The relative composition was 25 at.% aluminum and 75 at.% phosphorus for the sealant in the coating, giving the molar ratio P/Al of 3, which corresponds to that of metaphosphates Al(PO3)3. There is no indication of reaction products from the chemical reactions between the sealant and the coating. Thus, the aluminum phosphate sealing in the chromium oxide coatings can be explained mainly by adhesive binding resulting from the formation of the condensed phosphates with the appropriate adhesive properties to the coating, and not by chemical bonding resulting from the chemical reactions between the sealant and the coating.

Microstructure and properties of thermally sprayed silicon nitride-based coatings

Abstract: The preparation of thermally sprayed, dense, Si3N4-based coatings can be accomplished using composite spray powders with Si3N4 embedded in a complex oxide binder matrix. Powders with excellent processability were developed and produced by agglomeration (spray drying) and sintering. Optimization of the heat transfer into the powder particles was found to be the most decisive factor necessary for the production of dense and well-adhering coatings. In the present work, different thermal spray processes such as detonation gun spraying (DGS), atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) with axial powder injection, and high-velocity oxyfuel spraying (HVOF) were used. The coatings were characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and microhardness testing. The wear resistance was tested using a rubber wheel abrasion wear test (ASTM G65). In addition, thermoshock and corrosion resistances were determined. The microstructure and the performance of the best coatings were found to be sufficient, suggesting the technical applicability of this new type of coating.

Effect of post-heat treatment on the corrosion resistance of NiWCrBSi HVOF coatings in chloride solution

Abstract: High velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) thermal spray is one of the most versatile and fastest techniques used to apply wear- and corrosion-resistant coatings to critical component surfaces. In such applications where the material is submitted to a corrosive environment, coating porosity is one of the most important microstructural aspects determining the performance of the material. In the present work, the results regarding the effect of both carburizing flame and argon atmosphere post-heat treatments on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of NiCrWBSi coatings are reported. Both microstructural characterization and porosity determination were carried out before and after the heat treatments. It was determined that both treatments had reduced the porosity considerably, and this reduction was accompanied by pronounced microstructural changes regarding the disappearance of the initial lamellar structure, a more uniform distribution of the hard phases, and a decrease in the number of microcracks and unmelted particles. Results from potentiodynamic studies carried out in a 5% NaCl solution have indicated an increase in the corrosion resistance of both heat-treated coatings.

Wear resistance of a Cr 3 C 2 -NiCr detonation spray coating

Abstract: Coatings can be applied to surfaces to improve the surface characteristics over those of the bulk properties and are widely used in tribological applications either to reduce wear and/or to modify friction during contact. One of the foremost coating methods for combating wear is thermal spraying. To prolong the life of steel slab continuous casting rolls, Cr3C2-NiCr detonation spray coating was processed on the roll surface in a steelmaking plant in China. This article studies the mechanical properties and wear resistance of this coating. The abrasive and dry frictional wear testing were performed using a pin-on-disk tester. Experimental results show that the wear resistance of the coated samples, i.e., coating reduces the risk of seizure compared to uncoated samples, is much better than those of the uncoated steel at room and elevated temperatures with any load and sliding velocity. The coating wear mechanisms under different test conditions are discussed.

Corrosion of thermal spray hastelloy C-22 coatings in dilute HCl

Abstract: The microstructure and corrosion behavior of Hastelloy C-22 coatings produced using the high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) method have been determined and related to in-flight measurements of the particle velocity and temperature. Average particle temperatures ranged from 1280–1450 °C and velocities ranged from 565–640 ms−1. All of the coatings were greater than 98% of theoretical density and exhibited passivating behavior in 0.1 M HCl during cyclic potentiodynamic polarization testing. The passive current density was somewhat higher compared with wrought C-22 alloy and an active-passive peak attributed to the formation of a Cr-rich surface layer was observed. Resistance of corrosion and deposition efficiency improved as the particle temperature decreased. There was little effect of particle velocity on the corrosion behavior over the range of deposition conditions examined. Our results suggest that feedback control based on measurement of the particle temperature can be used to process coatings with optimum properties.