Microstructure and mechanical properties of PbSn alloys deposited on carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites

In this paper, PbSn coatings were deposited on carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites (CFRE composites) by means of plasma spraying with four groups of processing parameters (g1, g2, g3 and g4). The microstructure and phase composition of the as-sprayed coatings were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The bonding strength of the coatings to the substrates was detected on a RGD-5 tensile testing machine. It was indicated that high melting extent of the coating, strong bonding between the coatings and the substrate, as well as low porosity could be achieved with the g3 parameters. However, the phase composition and the content of crystalline phases of PbSn coatings varied slightly with different processing parameters.