P. Ctibor, P. Chraska, Institute of Plasma Physics, Praha, Czech Republic; K. Neufuss, Institute of Plasma Physics ASCR, Praha 8, Czech Republic
Agglomerated Titania nanopowder (Ti NanoCoat VHP TSGP, Altair Nanomaterials Inc., Reno, NV, USA) and a “classical” Titania were sprayed by the high throughput WSP® and thoroughly compared. Optical microscopy and image analysis were utilized for quantification of porosity. Results indicate that the “nano” coatings in general exhibit fewer and finer pores than coatings of the “conventional” micron-sized powders. Mechanical properties like Vickers microhardness and slurry abrasion response were measured and linked to the structural investigation. Impact of the variation in the slurry composition on wear resistance of tested coatings and on character of the wear damage is discussed. The over-all results however suggest that the “nano” coatings properties are better only for carefully selected sets of spraying parameters, which seem to have a very important impact.
Summary: Agglomerated Titania nanopowder and a “classical” Titania were sprayed by the high throughput WSP® and thoroughly compared. Mechanical properties like Vickers microhardness and slurry abrasion response (SAR) according ASTM G75-95 were measured and linked to the structural investigation. Optical microscopy and image analysis was utilized for quantification of porosity.