Morphology and phase modification of HVOF-sprayed MCrAlY-coatings remelted by electron beam irradiation

The electron beam remelting process is one of the most convenient processes to reduce the disadvantages of thermal-spray coatings. The effect of high-energy electron beam irradiation on surface remelting and microstructural modification in MCrAlY coatings are investigated in this study. This surface treatment is made to modify the morphology and the phases of the coated layer in order to improve the corrosion resistance. The specimens were remelted by using a high-energy electron beam accelerator. The microstructure, corrosion resistance and phase modification were examined. Scanning Electron Microscopy, light microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction were performed to characterize the phase modification and morphology before and after the treatment. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.