Tribology of FeVCrC coatings deposited by HVOF and HVAF thermal spray processes

This work studies FeVCrC-based coatings as potential alternatives to conventional Ni- and Co-based alloys for wear protection. Specifically, the microstructure and tribological properties of the coatings are characterized as a function of the particle size distribution of the feedstock powder, of the deposition technique – High Velocity Oxygen-Fuel (HVOF) or High Velocity Air-Fuel (HVAF) spraying – and of specific processing parameters. HVOF-sprayed coatings obtained from fine feedstock powder exhibit numerous oxide inclusions, which provide high hardness (≈ 900 HV0.3) but do not excessively impair fracture toughness, as determined through scratch testing techniques. HVAF-sprayed coatings obtained from the same feedstock powder contain much fewer oxide inclusions, and some of them possess simultaneously high hardness and high toughness. Defects (e.g. speckles) are instead formed in case unsuitable HVAF torch hardware is employed. A coarse feedstock powder always results in unmelted inclusions, which impair the cohesion of the coatings, particularly of the HVAF-sprayed ones. Most coatings anyway exhibit very low sliding wear rates < 3 × 10−6mm3/(N m); abrasive grooving and surface fatigue-induced pitting are the main wear mechanisms. Oxide inclusions do not affect negatively the response of HVOF coatings, whereas too many unmolten particles increase pitting under severe test conditions. Rubber-wheel abrasion testing produces comparatively more severe grooving.