Slurry Abrasion and Dry Sliding Behavior of High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) Sprayed WC-12Co and WC-10Co-4Cr Coatings on EN8 Tillage Material

Abstract

This research focuses on enhancing the wear resistance of EN8 steel, commonly used in agricultural implements by applying WC-12Co and WC-10Co-4Cr coatings using the high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying technique. The microstructural characterization, EDS mapping, microhardness, fracture toughness, slurry abrasion, and dry sliding of all coated and uncoated samples were evaluated. Results demonstrate that coated specimens outperform the uncoated EN8 steel in terms of wear resistance. Slurry abrasion tests reveal that the coatings hardness and fracture toughness contribute to their excellent performance. In dry sliding tests, the coated specimens exhibit lower friction coefficients and less mass loss, further emphasizing their better wear resistance. Further, wear mechanisms were found to be different between the materials, with EN8 steel exhibiting ductile wear, primarily due to plastic deformation and chipping, while the coated specimens display brittle wear characteristics, with the detachment of hard coating material and abrasive interactions contributing to wear.