Microstructure and Wear Resistance Evolution of HVOFSprayed WC-（W,Cr）2C-Ni Coating with Post Heat Treatment In Air Atmosphere

WC-(W,Cr)2C-Ni coating was prepared on 1Cr18Ni9Ti stainless steel and C-276 Ni-base Hastelloy by high velocity oxy-fuel(HVOF)spraying.The effect of post heat treatment in air atmosphere on the microstructure,phase composition,microhardness,fracture toughness,and wear resistance of HVOF-sprayed WC-(W,Cr)2C-Ni coating was investigated.The microstructure and phase composition of the coatings were analyzed by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM)and X-ray diffraction(XRD).The microhardness and fracture toughness of the coatings were measured using a microhardness tester and a Vickers hardness tester.Moreover,dry friction and wear behavior of the coatings sliding against Si3N4 ball was investigated using an oscillating friction and wear tester;and the worn surfaces of the coatings were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy(SEM).It was found that heat treatment within 500-800°C resulted in crystallization of amorphous phase in as-sprayed coating,generating nanoscale new phases such as NiWO4,CrWO4 and Cr2WO6.Besides,heat treatment led to increase of the microhardness of as-sprayed coating,and the highest microhardness was obtained after heat treatment at 800°C.The fracture toughness and wear resistance of the as-sprayed coating increased with increasing heat treatment temperature up to 700°C but tended to decrease with further elevating temperature.In other words,the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the as-sprayed coatings were worsened owing to excessive growth of oxidation grains and depletion of ductile Ni binder after heat treatment above 700°C.Thus it was suggested that as-sprayed ceramic composite coating should be post heat treated in air at a moderate temperature of 700°C so as to achieve the optimized mechanical properties and wear resistance.