The Influence of Plasma Spraying Process Parameters on Microstructure and Selected Properties of Novel NiCrAl-Cr3C2 Composite Coating

The paper presents a new concept of a thermally sprayed composite coating obtained by mixing NiCrAl powder with chromium carbide Cr₃C₂ in an amount of approximately 30 wt.%. The aim of the research was to obtain a material combining the advantages of a metallic matrix and a ceramic phase, with increased resistance to wear and erosion. The plasma spraying (APS) process was carried out on a carbon steel substrate with variable technological parameters: arc current intensity (300/500/700 A) and hydrogen flow (4/8/12 NLPM), while maintaining the other conditions constant.The thickness, porosity, microstructure, chemical composition (using the EDS method), hardness, erosion resistance, and tribological wear of the coatings were evaluated. The results showed that the greatest thickness (approx. 150 µm) and lowest porosity (below 3 vol. %) were obtained at the maximum process parameters – 700 A and 12 NLPM. In turn, the thinnest and most irregular coating (approx. 70 µm) was obtained at the lowest hydrogen flow (4 NLPM), which was due to insufficient melting of the powder particles.Increasing the current intensity and hydrogen flow had a beneficial effect on all analyzed coating properties – especially hardness (up to 273.7 HV0.2), erosion resistance (the smallest mass loss of 0.007 g), and tribological wear resistance (the smallest volume loss of 2.925 mm³). A decrease in any of the parameters resulted in a deterioration of the layer properties. The optimal mechanical and structural properties of the NiCrAl + Cr₃C₂ composite coating were achieved at the maximum plasma spraying parameters: a power current of 700 A and a hydrogen flow rate of 12 NLPM.