Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of Plasma-Sprayed Cu36Ni5In Coatings on Dual-Phase Ti8Mn Substrate
摘要
The present investigation focuses on the development and characterization of plasma-sprayed Cu36Ni5In coatings on a dual-phase Ti8Mn substrate due to their excellent wear and corrosion resistance properties. A laser diffraction particle-size analyzer was used for the determination of the particle-size distribution of Cu36Ni5In powder used. The microstructural characterization was carried out through optical and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS), connected to the SEM. Furthermore, the phase identification was accomplished via x-ray diffraction analysis. The mechanical behavior of the developed coatings was evaluated using Vickers microhardness tests. Moreover, the evaluation of the cohesion strength between plasma-sprayed coating and substrate was performed on polished cross sections via scratch test. The optimum plasma-sprayed coatings were obtained using an arc current of 550 A, with a powder feed rate at 30 g/min and gun traverse speed at 300 mm/s. The produced coatings were characterized by flattened, disk-like splats, which were formed due to the rapid solidification of molten or semi-molten particles upon impact with the substrate. The increased particle velocity and temperature resulted in better melting and splat bonding, creating denser microstructures, thus increasing both hardness values and cohesion strength.