Abstract
Owing to high particle velocity upon impact, and consequently low porosity and high bond strength of so-obtained coatings, HVOF spraying process is widely used to improve components life in service. However, many parameters can affect metallic coatings properties, especially un-melted particles and oxidation level. Flame parameters, such as calorific power, combustion ratio and temperature, are of prime importance. The aim of this work was focused on the influence of these parameters on stainless steel coatings characteristics. For different substrate temperatures, maintained through CO2 cooling nozzles, those parameters varied independently. Flame characteristics were computed using a simple model for propylene as fuel gas. Microstructure investigation as well as oxide content measurements and microhardness were obtained. It appeared that combustion temperature, in the range studied (2600-2750K) was not a critical factor. However, combustion ratio and calorific power greatly influenced coating properties: an increase of oxide content, and consequently a higher microhardness, was observed when combustion ratio decreased as well as when calorific power increased.
