Effect of the Chemical Composition of Electrode Materials and deposition Parameters on the Properties of Electrospark-Deposited Coatings. I. Mass Transfer Rate and Coating Composition

Abstract

Cermet coatings based on Ni–Al alloys and titanium–chromium diboride are electrospark-deposited onto 40Kh steel. It is analyzed how the metal-to-refractory phase ratio in the electrode material and the deposition parameters influence the mass-transfer kinetics, thickness, and composition of the coatings. Higher metal content of the electrode material activates mass transfer and increases thickness of the coatings (up to 700 μm). The integrity, roughness, and thickness of the coatings can be controlled by varying electrospark deposition parameters and chemical composition of the electrodes.