Composite coatings: manufacture, properties, and applications

Abstract

The sUlface properties of structural components have a strong influence on their behaviour. In many cases such components are stressed in the surface region by a combination of mechanical, tribological, corrosive, and thermal factors. Under these circumstances, deposition of composite coatings can provide effective surface protection. Deposits can be coated on steel, light metals, ceramics, plastics, and other materials. Composite coatings consist of a metal matrix with, in general, non-metal solid particles or short fibres. The most important coating processes are electrochemical or electro less plating and thermal spraying. This paper reviews the manufacture, properties, and applications of composite coatings and summarises new developments in this field. Fine particles with diameters less than 100 nm are available and are investigated in connection with electroplating experiments. Thermal sprayed aluminium composite coatings on light metals have been manufactured and evaluated. Finally, thermal sprayed composite coatings with short fibres are described.