Characterization and High Temperature Behaviour of Thermal Sprayed Coatings used in Boilers

CrNiAlTi, NiCrBSi and WC-Ni coatings have been thermal and plasma sprayed projected over a stainless steel surface in order to protect it against heat and erosion actions encountered in power plant boilers. Their microstructure, porosity and microhardness have been measured. High temperature oxidation under an atmosphere similar to service conditions in power plants and thermal fatigue tests have also been performed in our experimental combustion chamber and, finally, the adhesion between the substrate and the coating layer has been evaluated by means of tensile tests. The obtained results have been discussed paying especial attention to the microstructural materials evolution due to thermal effects and coating projection methods.