Abstract
This study examines the influence of nano- and near-nano grains in bulk powder metal processing thus providing a baseline for understanding the potential of nanopowders for thermal spray application. Two light alloys (Al and Ti) and two tungsten carbide blends (WC-NiCrBSi and WC-CoCr) are cryomilled into nanocrystalline powders. The nanopowders are consolidated via hot isostatic pressing or spark plasma sintering and tested along with consolidated forms of virgin (micron scale) grains, shedding light on property improvements achieved through nanograined materials. HVOF coatings produced from nano- and micro-crystalline powders are tested as well, and the results are correlated with the improvements observed in the consolidated material forms.
