Acoustic emission study on flexural behaviour of WC-Co coatings obtained by atmospheric plasma spray

Plasma spayed cermet coatings WC-Co are used in a wide range of industrial applications, mainly due to their wear resistance even in corrosive environments. the objective of this work is to analyze mechanical response of hard metal coatings by means of three-and four-points bend tests applying acoustic emission technique to determine failure critical strength. It has been observed the effect of supported charge level in structural damage by means of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Acoustic emission has allowed us to relate damage level to stresses level and then to understand coatings failure mechanism. (Author) 29 refs