Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of FeBSiNb Metallic Glass Coatings by Twin Wire Arc Spraying

In this study, FeBSiNb coatings were prepared by twin wire arc spraying process. The microstructure and mechanical properties of as-sprayed coatings were characterized. The results show that the coating is adhering well and very compact with porosity of 1.2% (the value range is 0.9-1.7%). The microstructure of the coating consists of full glassy structure. The crystallization temperature, microhardness, elastic modulus, and average adhesive strength of the coating are 819 K, 16.42 GPa (the value range is 14.38-18.46 GPa), 219 GPa (the value range is 201-237 GPa), and 57.4 MPa (the value range is 55-64 MPa), respectively. The relatively wear resistance of the coating is about three times than that of 3Cr13 martensite stainless steel coating. The reasons for excellent wear resistance of FeBSiNb metallic glass coating are attributed to a uniform amorphous structure, the high ratio of hardness to elastic modulus (H/E) and the ratio of the elastic deformation energy to the total deformation energy (eta value). The main failure mechanism of the coating is brittle failure and fracture.