| Abstract: | Nanostructured WC-12Co coatings were deposited by high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying with an agglomerated powder. The effect of flame conditions on the microstructure of the nanostructured coatings was investigated. The wear properties of the coatings were characterized using a dry rubber-wheel wear test. The results show that the nanostructured WC-Co coatings consist of WC, W2C, W and an amorphous binder phase. The microstructure of the coating is significantly influenced by the ratio of oxygen flow to fuel flow. Under the lower ratio of oxygen/fuel flow, the nanostructured coating presents a relative dense microstructure and severe decarburization of WC phase occurs during spraying. With increasing ratio of oxygen/fuel flow, the bonding of WC particles in the coating becomes loose resulting from the original structure of feedstock and the decarburization of WC becomes less owing to limited heating to the powder. Both the decarburization of WC particles in spraying and the bonding among WC particles in the coatings affect the wear performance. The examination of the worn surfaces of the nanostructured coatings reveals that the dominant wear mechanisms would be spalling from the interface of WCCo splats when spray particles undergo a limited melting. While the melting state of the spray particles is improved,the dominant wear mechanisms become the plastic deformation and plowing of the matrix and spalling of WC particles from the matrix. |
