Fabrication of WC-based Metal Matrix Composite Coatings via Low-pressure Cold Spraying for Enhanced Surface Properties

• Author / Creator

  Melendez, Natanael M

• A low-cost, low-pressure cold spray unit was used to fabricate tungsten carbide
  (WC)-based metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings. A variety of coatings were
  fabricated and characterized. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), coupled with
  image analysis, Vickers micro-hardness, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used
  to characterize the coatings. Image analysis was used to determine the WC
  content in the coatings and the mean free path between the reinforcing particles.
  The WC content in the coating increased as the WC content in the powder blend
  increased. As the WC content in the powder increased, the coating porosity
  decreased and the WC deposition efficiency increased. ASTM standard G65-2004
  dry abrasion testing was conducted on WC-Ni coatings to determine a
  relationship between hardness and wear resistance. A linear relationship was
  observed between the wear rate and hardness of the WC-Ni MMC coatings. The
  coating deemed optimal had a wear rate comparable to those of WC-Co coatings
  fabricated by high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) and high-pressure cold spraying.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Cold Spray
  • Hardness
  • Wear Rate
  • Mean Free Path
  • Metal Matrix Composite

• Graduation date

  Fall 2013

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3HH6CH3P

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.