Pseudoelastic NiTi Coatings for Cavitation Exposed Applications Produced by Low Pressure Plasma Spraying (LPPS)

Surface fatigue due to cavitation can trigger component damage reducing the lifetime or enlarging the service costs of related components such as parts in pump systems or turbine blades in hydropower plants. Considering its unique damping behavior based on pseudoelasticity coupled with good corrosion resistance, NiTi is a promising material for cavitation resistant components. Having the high costs of NiTi in mind, its use as a coating is a promising approach with respect to economic considerations.  In this study, NiTi coatings were produced by Low Pressure Plasma Spraying (LPPS) starting from prealloyed NiTi powder. Influence of spraying parameters on microstructure and phase transformation behavior was investigated. The research was accompanied by cavitation tests, showing the high potential of NiTi for exposed applications.