Microhardness as a simple means of estimating relative wear resistance of carbide thermal spray coatings: Part 1. Characterization of cemented carbide coatings

A selection of WC-Co and Cr3C2-25%NiCr coatings deposited by plasma spraying and high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) were tested. The microstructures of the coatings were characterized, and their mechanical properties were assessed using Knoop microindentation procedures. The coatings were also subjected to various wear tests. All of the coatings were at least 200 µm thick and were deposited onto stainless steel substrates. The wear tests simulated abrasion, cavitation wear, sliding wear, and particle erosion wear.