Study of Cavitation Erosion-Corrosion Resistance of Thermally Sprayed Ni-Based Coatings Prepared by HVAF Process

Abstract

In this study, two Ni-based coating materials, namely NiCrMoNb and NiCrBSi, have been applied using High Velocity Air Fuel (HVAF) thermal spraying process. The performance of the coated surface in resistance to cavitation erosion-corrosion of both coating materials, has been evaluated using an ultrasonic vibratory method. The cumulative material loss and erosion rate curves of the two coatings have been discussed. Surface topography, microhardness, macroscopic images, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs were used to characterize the coatings before and after the cavitation test. The cavitation results showed that the NiCrMoNb coating surface has exhibited better performance than the NiCrBSi coating surface under the same test conditions. The total cumulative weight loss of the NiCrMoNb coating was about 1/3 that of the NiCrBSi coating. SEM micrographs of the eroded surfaces showed that the surface layer of the NiCrBSi coating was more damaged, compared to layer of the NiCrMoNb coating. Overall, the NiCrMoNb coating can be effectively used against the cavitation wear, due to its superior performance.