Abrasive Wear Resistance of Recycled Hardmetal Reinforced Thick Coating

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to elaborate and compare abrasive wear resistance of thick coatings deposited with different hardfacing technologies. To produce metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings commercial iron and nickel based powders with recycled hardmetal content of 40 vol. % were studied. For deposition technologies plasma transferred arc (PTA) hardfacing, high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying were used. The microstructure of produced thick coatings was examined, including the distribution of hard phase and homogeneity of metal matrix. Micromechanical properties, including hardness and elastic modulus of features were measured by universal hardness measurements. Furthermore, behavior of coatings subjected to abrasive rubber-wheel wear (ARWW) and impact wear (AIW) tests were studied. Wear resistance of experimental PTA hardfacings at low velocity ARWW and AIW tests notably exceeds that of HVOF sprayed coatings. Wear mechanism dominating at abrasive wear in most cases is the removal of metal matrix due to lower hardness. Assignment of hardmetal waste as initial material can significantly decrease the cost of production, improve the mechanical characteristics of coatings and consequently increase their wear resistance. Results indicate, that the choice of matrix for the same reinforcements can also be as an important factor for combating abrasive wear. Fe-based thick coating, produced by PTA is more wear resistant compared to the Ni-based ones.