Z. Yin, S. Tao, X. Zhou, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; C. Ding, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Shanghai, China
In the present work, Al2O3 coatings with different thickness (180µm, 320µm and 480µm) were deposited by plasma spraying. The microstructure of as-sprayed coatings was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the microhardness was also measured using a Vickers’ indentor. Additionally, the wear resistance of Al2O3 coatings with different coating thicknesses sliding against stainless steel was evaluated by a block-on-ring configuration. It was found that the thickness parameter has important bearings on the porosity, microhardness, surface roughness and anti-wear property of coatings. The higher microhardness, lower porosity and lower surface roughness can be obtained at lower coating thickness. However, the wear test results indicated that the Al2O3 coating with the moderate thickness (about 320µm) possessed the best anti-wear property, which suggests an optimized coating thickness existing under practical experimental conditions simultaneously considering good mechanical property and avoiding premature failure.
Key words: Plasma spraying; Al2O3 coating; Coating thickness; Friction and Wear.
Summary: This work aims to investigate the effects of thickness parameter on porosity, microhardness, surface roughness and anti-wear property of Al2O3 coatings deposited by plasma spraying.
