Refractory Carbide Coatings Sprayed by Electrothermal Explosion of Conductive-Ceramic Powders

This paper examines the properties of thermal spray coatings produced by electrothermal explosion. Three refractory carbides (TaC, WC, and TiC) were sprayed onto metal substrates then analyzed using FESEM, EPMA, XRD, and microhardness testing. The new spray technique required the development of a special powder container to facilitate melting as well as the jetting process and mixing of deposit and substrate materials. Crystal structure and phase changes were also observed, which are attributed to decarburization.