Microstructure and tribological properties of Ni3Al matrix micro-laminated films deposited by electrohydrodynamic atomization

This paper aims to enhance the microstructure, mechanical properties, and tribological properties of Ni3Al matrix composite films (NMCs) and provide efficient and convenient methods for preparing Ni3Al matrix micro -laminate films. Ni3Al/Cr3C2-Ti3SiC2-MoS2 (NMCs-1) single-layer film, as well as Ni3Al/Cr3C2-Ti3SiC2-MoS2 (NMCs-2) and Ni3Al-Cr3C2-MoS2/Ni3Al-Ti3SiC2-MoS2 (NMCs-3) micro-laminated films with different layer thickness ratios were deposited on the surface of GH3044 superalloy using electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA). X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microcopies, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were conducted to analyze and characterize the properties of these films. Results indicated that the NMCs-3 micro-laminated films exhibited denser microstructure, stronger (002) preferred orientation, and higher adhesion to the substrate, compared to the NMCs-1 single-layer film and NMCs-2 micro-laminated films. Additionally, NMCs-3 displayed superior-excellent tribological properties, the wear rate was reduced by an order of magnitude than the NMCs-1 and NMCs-2 films, and the friction coefficient fell by 40% compared with the film in the previous work. This was mainly attributed to the inhibition of crack propagation and reduction in film damage through the laminated structure design of the NMC-3 films.

Automated summary

This study successfully enhanced the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni3Al matrix composite films through the design of micro-laminated films. The Ni3Al-Cr3C2-MoS2/Ni3Al-Ti3SiC2-MoS2 (NMCs-3) micro-laminated films exhibited denser structure, stronger orientation, and better adhesion, as well as superior tribological properties.