Effect of air plasma spraying parameters on WC-Co cermet coating

WC-Co cermet coatings were produced on AISI 321 stainless steel samples by air plasma spraying system. In this regard, the coatings were deposited by varying the spraying distance i.e. 80 mm and 100 mm. It was observed that spraying distance play an important role on the final properties of the WC-Co cermet coating. The coatings were characterized by optical and electron microscopy, microhardness testing and X-Ray Diffractometry. A remarkable micro-structural difference was observed between the two coatings. It was observed that the coatings produced at 80 mm having more porosity and un-melted particles as compared to that produced at higher distance. Similarly, the change in concentration of metallurgical phases was also observed. (author)