WC-based cermet coatings produced by cold gas dynamic and pulsed gas dynamic spraying processes

Due to their mechanical properties, WC-based cermet coatings are extensively used in wear-resistant applications. These coatings are usually produced using thermal spray processes. However, due to the nature and the environment of these spraying processes, the feedstock powder structure and properties suffer from decomposition, which subsequently degrade the performance of the coatings produced. The cold gas dynamic spraying process appears to be a promising alternative technique to preserve the properties of the feedstock powder during the coating preparation. Although the latter technique can minimize or eliminate the degradation of the sprayed material, the deposition of cermet using this technique is a difficult task. In this study, two types of cermet powders, the nanocrystalline (WC-15Co) and the conventional (WC-10Co4Cr) powders were deposited using the cold gas dynamic spraying and the pulsed gas dynamic spraying processes. The feedstock powders and coatings microstructures were investigated by OM, SEM and XRD, as well as their hardness. The results revealed the possibility of depositing cermet coatings onto aluminum substrates using both processes without any degradation of the carbide phase of the feedstock powder. The cold gas dynamic spraying process experienced difficulty in depositing and building up dense coatings without major defects. The pulsed gas dynamic process produced thick cermet (conventional and nanocrystalline) coatings with low porosity as long as the feedstock powder was preheated above 573 K.