Properties of Plasma and D-Gun Sprayed Metal-Matrix-Composite (MMC) Coatings Based on Ceramic Hard Particle Reinforced Fe-, Ni-aluminide Matrix

Coatings of Metal-Matrix-Composite (MMC) with enhanced wear resistance were created by thermal spraying. The used powders composed of iron and nickel aluminides reinforced with alumina, Cr- and Ti-carbides were produced before by self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS). The fused and crushed composite powders were sprayed by atmosphere plasma spraying (APS) and gas detonation spraying (D-Gun). Spray powder and coating properties like morphology, structure, microhardness, porosity, bond strength, wear and corrosion resistance are examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy, XRD analysis, pin-on-disc (wear resistance). The produced MMC coatings are compared to commercially used wear resistant coatings, e.g. high velocity oxyfuel flame sprayed Cr₃C₂-NiCr. The properties of a special coating type depend on the used spraying method. Plasma sprayed MMCs show a slightly higher porosity than D-Gun sprayed coatings. The chemical composition of used powders has a big influence on the coating properties. Fe- and Ni-aluminide matrix coatings reinforced additionally with carbides, especially Cr₃C₂, show a better wear resistance compared to coatings containing just oxides as hard material.