Coating formation, fracture mode and cavitation performance of Fe40Al deposited by cold gas spraying

Abstract

The present study investigates the coating formation by cold spraying Fe–40 at.-%Al intermetallics and evaluates their cavitation performance. Coating properties identify them as good candidates for application in many industrial environments. Despite their low ductility, after optimising the spraying parameters, dense layers were achieved. Fracture surfaces after bending tests indicate a combination of ductile and brittle failure, revealing some information on bonding features. The high microstructural homogeneity of these coatings, similar to that of bulk materials, is beneficial for their resistance to cavitation damage. The high strength of cold sprayed intermetallics makes them an interesting alternative to other materials and coating solutions.

Keywords:

• Intermetallic
• Coating
• Cavitation
• Wear
• Thermal spray
• Cold spray

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank to the technicians of the Institut für Werkstofftechnik of Helmut Schmidt University and especially Dr N. Cinca to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for the postdoctoral fellowship.