Microstructure and tribological characteristics of APS sprayed NiCrBSi/flyash cenosphere/Cr2O3 and NiCrBSi/flyash cenosphere/Mo composite coatings at elevated temperatures

Abstract

In the present investigation NiCrBSi/flyash/Cr<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> and NiCrBSi/flyash/Mo composite coatings are developed using atmospheric plasma spray technique on superni 76 alloy. Coatings are characterized in terms of microstructure, phase analysis, and microhardness. Tribological properties of the coatings are evaluated using a pin on disc tribometer. Test is conducted under dry sliding conditions at room temperature, 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C respectively. Microstructure and worn surfaces of the coatings are analyzed by utilizing Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) where in phase analysis is carried out using x-ray diffractometer (XRD). XRD results revealed the presence of ?-Ni as primary phase along with Ni<inf>3</inf>B, Cr<inf>7</inf>C<inf>3</inf>, SiO<inf>2</inf> and Al<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> as minor phases in both the NiCrBSi/flyash/Cr<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> and NiCrBSi/flyash/Mo coatings. Among the two coatings, Mo composite coating exhibited lower porosity and higher microhardness. The friction coefficient of both the coatings decreased with increasing temperature. The wear rate is found to decrease at lower temperatures but increased at a higher temperature (>400 °C) for Cr<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> composite coating wherein Friction coefficient is decreased with increase in the temperature for Mo composite coatings. The worn surface analysis conducted revealed abrasive wear at lower temperatures while the transition from abrasive to adhesive is observed at higher temperatures. © 2019 IOP Publishing Ltd.