Abstract
The superior mechanical properties of Boron Carbide make it very attractive for use as a wear resistant coating in tribological applications. Boron carbide is the hardest non-oxide ceramic produced in large quantities. It offers a high erosion and abrasion resistance, high chemical and outstanding heat resistance. B4C can be formed on a suitable substrate by thermal spray process as an alternative to high wear carbide coatings. The objective of this work was to investigate and to characterize the mechanical properties of a boron carbide based coating applied by HVOF spraying using a non commercial powder for corrosion and abrasion applications. The produced coatings were evaluated by metallographic procedure, microhardness, porosity and roughness measurements as well as adhesion and wear tests. The results are promising and signal good applications for such coatings.
