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Optimization of the laser remelting process for HVOF-sprayed Stellite 6 wear resistant coatings
(2016)
Cobalt base alloys are used in all industrial areas due to their excellent wear resistance. Several studies have shown that Stellite 6 coatings are suitable not only for protection against sliding wear, but also in case of exposure to impact loading. In this respect, a possible application is the protection of hydropower plant components affected by cavitation. The main problem in connection with Stellite 6 is the deposition procedure of the protective layers, both welding and thermal spraying techniques requesting special measures in order to prevent the brittleness of the coating. In this study, Stellite 6 layers were HVOF thermally sprayed on a martensitic 13-4 stainless steel substrate, as usually used for hydraulic machinery components. In order to improve the microstructure of the HVOF-sprayed coatings and their adhesion to the substrate, laser remelting was applied, using a TRUMPF Laser type HL 124P LCU and different working parameters. The microstructure of the coatings, obtained for various remelting conditions, was evaluated by light microscopy, showing the optimal value of the pulse power, which provided a homogenous Stellite 6 layer with good adhesion to the substrate.
This paper aims to compare cobalt-based (type Stellite 6) and nickel-based self-fluxing alloys (type NiCrBSiMo) regarding both their cavitation erosion resistance and corrosion resistance. The two types of protective layers were thermally sprayed onto a substrate of martensitic stainless steel. In order to improve the layers' characteristics and their metallurgical bonding to the substrate, the Stellite 6 coating was laser remelted, while the NiCrBSiMo coating was treated by flame fusion. The cavitation erosion resistance of the two materials was evaluated by measurements of the mean depth of erosion developed during a testing period of 165 minutes, using a 20 kHz ultrasonic vibrator at a peak-to-peak amplitude of 50 μm. In addition, the corrosion resistance of the layers was assessed by potentiodynamic corrosion tests carried out in H2SO4 + NaCl solution at room temperature, using calomel as reference electrode. In order to highlight the differences regarding the behaviour of the two protective materials, the authors also carried out microstructural investigations of the layers before and after exposure to cavitation and corrosion. The investigations showed that both types of layers can provide improved protection of the martensitic stainless steel substrate against cavitation, whilst the NiCrBSiMo coating additionally confers significantly increased resistance to corrosion.
