A team of researchers from the University of Barcelona presented a discussion of the properties of TiC-FeCr powders as possible replacements for HVOF spraying of hard chromium and carbide coatings, at the ASM International ITSC 2019 conference in Japan.
For many decades, HVOF hard chromium and carbide coatings have been accepted as the main option for enhancing hardness and wear resistance of materials. In the case of carbide coatings, as well as hardmetals, this phase is alloyed with a metal matrix. The metal matrix is frequently nickel and/or chromium and also cobalt, which brings toughness to the material.
In spite of the high properties of these coatings, concerns are growing about the toxicity and environmental impact of both hard chromium and carbides. Thus, the aim of this work is to study the opportunities of a new generation of materials, “green carbides,” as an alternative to conventional cermet coatings.
For this study, two new materials were prepared by high-energy ball milling (HEBM), with an FeCr-based metallic matrix, and TiC as the carbide phase. They were sprayed by HVOF onto different substrates. In this powder, the FeCr matrix improves the corrosion resistance of the material, while replacement of the carbide phase by TiC results in a lighter coating. Morphology, microstructure, wear resistance, and hardness are some of the properties studied in order to optimize the spraying parameters.
HVOF spraying of a new generation of high-energy ball milled TiC-FeCr powders as alternative to conventional cermets and hard chromium
Dr. Vicente Albaladejo, Dr. J. Sánchez, Dr. Maria Sarre, Dr. Sergi Dosta, Dr. I. G. Cano, Thermal Spray Centre, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
