Comparative Study on the Mechanical Properties of WC/Co between HVOF Coatings and Hard Materials

Abstract

Hard materials and WC/Co HVOF coating are used for various industrial applications which require long lifetime operation. Compared with hard materials, HVOF coating is considered to have enough merit about resource saving, however, hard materials is mainly used. The reason is mechanical properties of HVOF coatings are not investigated in detail. In addition, the HVOF coating is thought to be inferior to hard materials. The objective of this study is to investigate the mechanical properties of HVOF coating and the hard materials. About abrasive wear resistance, it is cleared that the HVOF coatings have similar performance compared with the hard materials. On the other hand, erosive wear resistance and hardness of the HVOF coatings are inferior to the hard materials. This reason is considered that the difference of crystal and micro structure between HVOF coatings and the hard materials.