HVOF- and VPS-Coatings Using Nanostructured Iron-Based Alloys

In thermal spraying, Fe-based alloys are often applied for relatively thick and inexpensive coatings. The main advantage of the Fe-based alloy coatings is their high ductility as compared to ceramic and hardmetal coatings. Other advantages such as high toughness, easy machineability and satisfactory corrosion resistance are characteristic of Fe-based alloys. The wear resistance is not outstanding, but nevertheless acceptable for a large number of applications. A further improvement of the wear resistance can be achieved by reinforcing the Fe-based alloy coatings, e.g. by addition of nitrogen to the spraying powder.