Abstract
Quasicrystalline phases improve many alloy properties such as thermomechanical stability, thermal and electrical conductivity, and tribological performance. High hardness, however, is accompanied by brittleness, an undesired property in many applications. Reduced brittleness can be achieved by embedding quasicrystalline phases in a more ductile material, forming a metal-matrix composite that retains some quasicrystalline properties. This study evaluates thermally sprayed coatings made from different compositions of such composites. The coatings assessed were produced by arc-wire, HVOF, and atmospheric plasma spraying using various forms of feed material, including blended, agglomerated, chemical encased, and attrition-milled powders and filled wires. The investigation involved metallurgical analysis, proving the existence of quasicrystal content and assessing the matrix phase, and tests showing how sliding wear is influenced by the composition of quasicrystalline phases.
