An investigation on tribological performance in HVOF sprayed of Amdry1371 and Amdry 1371/WC-Co coatings on Ti6Al4V

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of 30 wt% WC addition into Mo-based coating on the microstructure and dry sliding wear performance at elevated temperatures. A ball-on disk tribometer assessed coating wear and friction behavior at room temperature (RT), 300, and 600 °C with loads of 10 and 20 N. The wear rate and mechanism were assessed using SEM-EDX and an optical profilometer. The coating characteristics included density, porosity, surface roughness, microstructure, and microhardness. The bond strength of Amdry1371 and Amdry1371/30%WC-Co coatings is analyzed using the scratch test. During the scratch test, both coatings show cohesive failure at 30-50 N and cohesive along with adhesive failure at 70 N loads. Compared to Amdry1371 coating, Amdry1371/30%WC-Co coating has greater microhardness and bond strength. The wear rate and friction coefficients of Amdry1371 and Amdry1371/30%WC-Co coatings increase with temperatures up to 300 °C and decrease at 600 °C. Wear debris is generated when contact surfaces fracture under the applied load, acting as a third body in the sliding process. This phenomenon, observable from room temperature to 300 °C, increases wear rate and friction coefficients. Protective oxide phases formed on worn surfaces like MoO₃, NiMO₄, CoWO₄, Cr₃O₈, and WO₃ film at 600 °C. This glaze layer is present on worn surfaces, significantly reducing friction coefficients and the wear rate of coatings. Amdry1371/30%WC-Co coating exhibits superior wear resistance and lower friction coefficients than Amdry1371 coating due to MoO₃ and WO₃. At RT, the dominant abrasive wear mechanism shifts to oxidative wear at 600 °C for both coatings.