Microstructure Characterization and Abrasive Wear Performance of HVOF Sprayed WC-Co Coatings

In this paper the nanostructured and conventional WC-12Co feedstock powders were thermally sprayed via high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) on the mild steel substrate. The influence of the feedstock powder type on the microstructure of coatings and abrasive wear resistance properties was studied. The correlation between the coating microstructure and the wear performance was investigated by analyzing the microstructure and worn surface morphology of the coatings. The results indicated that the nanostructured coating shows higher porosity, but slightly higher microhardness and better abrasive wear resistance than the conventional counterpart. Also, the two coatings have excellent abrasive wear resistance with respect to the substrate.