B. H. Tian, L. Chang, W. L. Qu, G. Yang, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
For improving the mechanical properties of 316L stainless steel coatings prepared by the plasma spray, after post-heat treatments were conducted at temperature of 600-800°C for 1-2 hours. The effect of heat treatment on microstructures and microhardness of coatings was examined. XRD, SEM and microhardness were used for characterization of the coatings. Heat treatment of the coatings in various temperatures caused changes in hardness of the coating, and mechanical properties of the coatings has been improved from brittle to ductile fracture.