Microstructural evaluation of tungsten carbide-cobalt coatings

Tungsten carbide-12 wt.% cobalt coatings were deposited using optimized high-energy plasma (HEP) and high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) thermal spray techniques. The coatings were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and subjected to wear tests to relate the coating structure to wear performance. Coatings were evaluated in the assprayed condition, as well as after heat treatments in inert atmosphere. The results indicate that a substantial amount of amorphous matrix material is created during the thermal spray process. Carbon and tungsten, liberated through the dissociation of the WC, combine with cobalt present in the starting powder to form amorphous material on solidification. Differential thermal analysis revealed an exothermic reaction for both the HVOF and HEP coatings at approximately 853 and 860 °C, respectively, which did not occur for the powder. Post-coating heat treatment in an inert atmosphere resulted in the recrystallization of the amorphous material into Co₆W₆C and Co₂W₄C, which was dependent on the time and temperature of the heat treatment. Wear testing showed improvement in the wear performance for coatings that were subjected to the heat treatment. This was related to the recrystallization of the amorphous matrix into eta phase carbides. Editor’s Note: This paper was presented at the 4th National Thermal Spray Conference, Pittsburgh, 6-10 May, 1991. The proceedings of this conference will be published by ASM International. Dr. T.F. Bernecki is the Editor of these proceedings.     

Modelling and experimental study of impedance spectra of electron beam physical vapour deposition thermal barrier coatings

A 2-dimensional finite element model has been developed to calculate the impedance spectra of electron beam physical vapour deposition (EB-PVD) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). The model has been used to examine the effect of thermally grown oxide (TGO) growth and the TGO conductivity change on impedance spectra of TBCs. According to modelling, different spectra were generated due to the TGO growth and TGO conductivity change. Impedance measurements have been carried out on both as-deposited and thermally treated TBCs where the thermal treatments lead to the TGO growth. In addition, the thermal treatment of TBCs at different temperatures produced TGO with different compositions, probably leading to different electrical conductivities of TGO. Measured impedance spectra of TBCs with different TGO thicknesses and TGO compositions agree with modelled spectra of TBCs with different TGO thicknesses and conductivities.     

微合金耐火钢中AlN界面处碳化物表征

将含氮Nb-Mo-V微合金耐火钢在1200℃固溶0.5 h后淬火,在650℃回火10 h,用透射电子显微镜(TEM)和原子探针层析技术(APT)研究氮化铝(AlN)/基体界面处碳化物的析出。结果表明,方形六方结构AlN的某一个表面是密排面(0001),面心立方结构的钒钼复合碳化物(V,Mo)C容易在AlN(0001)密排面/基体界面处析出并沿其自身〈111〉方向长大,并与AlN共格。(V,Mo)C与AlN之间的晶体学关系为:[110](V,Mo)C//[11 20]AlN,(111)(V,Mo)C//(0001)AlN。     

碳化物/钢基复合材料原料球磨效果及其电子理论分析

对碳化钛、碳化钨/钢基复合材料原料粉体进行了球磨试验和相应粒度变化等的SEM等分析.结果表明:作为硬质相的WC、TiC球磨细化效果最佳;作为基体材料的体心立方金属球磨效果较好(且Mo＞Cr＞Fe),面心立方镍的球磨效果较差,石墨仅初期球磨效果好.运用固体与分子经验电子理论,结合原料单质的键性质和晶体结构特征分析了实验结果,并依据计算得到的价电子结构参数(nA值与η值及键络均衡性)剖析了以上复合材料原料单质球磨行为的差异.     

Suspension and solution thermal spray coatings

The emerging methods of coating deposition by suspension and solution thermal spraying are described. The liquid suspensions of fine powders and liquid precursors are injected into flames and/or jets generated in the torches. The formulation and stability of suspensions as well as the methods of fine powders synthesis are briefly described. Typical solutions, being often the liquid organo-metallics are also briefly described. An important problem of injection of liquids into jets and flames is then presented. Two principal modes of injection, used at present, are outlined, i.e.: (i) atomization; and, (ii) injection of a continuous jet. Subsequently, the phenomena occurring in flames and plasma jets are discussed and the major differences to these occurring during conventional spraying are stressed up. The build up of coatings starting from the impact of fine particles on the substrate is described and typical microstructures of suspension and solution sprayed coatings are shown. Some properties of the sprayed coatings, including mechanical, electrical, chemical, and thermophysical ones are collected and presented. Finally, the emerging applications of coatings are shown and the possible future applications are discussed.     

Mechanical properties of thermal barrier coatings after isothermal oxidation.: Depth sensing indentation analysis

Thermal barrier coatings (TBC) are extensively used to protect metallic components in applications where the operating conditions include aggressive environment at high temperatures. Isothermal oxidation degrades the performance of these coatings, so this work analyses the mechanical properties (Young's modulus, E, and hardness, H) of TBC and its evolution after thermal exposure in air. ZrO₂(Y₂O₃) top coat and NiCrAlY bond coating were air plasma sprayed onto an Inconel 600 Ni base alloy. The TBC were isothermally oxidized in air at 950 °C and 1050 °C for 72, 144 and 336 h. Depth sensing indentation tests were carried out on the ceramic coating to evaluate E and H in the as-sprayed materials and after isothermal oxidation. An approach based on multiple tests at different loads was used to determine size independent apparent E an H. These mechanical properties, measured perpendicular to the surface, clearly decreased after isothermal oxidation as a consequence of microcracking within the ceramic coating.     

Nucleation and thermal stability of carbide precipitates in high Nb containing TiAl alloys

This work monitors the nucleation, growth and coarsening of carbides in powder metallurgically processed, high Nb containing TiAl alloys. The effects of carbon content, annealing conditions and internal defects on the precipitation and stability of carbides were systematically investigated by high energy X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. In general, at 800 °C the carbide microstructure can still change significantly up to 1000 h of annealing. It is found that a higher carbon concentration promotes the carbide precipitation process and increases the thermal stability of carbides. Internal interfaces and other crystallographic defects act not only as heterogeneous nucleation sites for perovskite Ti₃AlC carbides but also as carbon sinks. This retards the carbide nucleation in the interior of γ-TiAl grains. By homogenising the carbon distribution through solution heat treatment the nucleation of carbides in the γ-TiAl matrix is significantly accelerated as an effect of higher matrix carbon content.