Performance of Yttria and Zirconia reinforced WC-10Co4Cr HVOF Coatings of Slurry Pump

This research paper focuses on the development of additive-based erosion-resistant high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) WC-10Co4Cr coating for pump steel. In this study, the WC-10Co4Cr cermet powder consists of yttria and zirconia, each with a concentration of 3 wt.%. The HVOF spraying method was utilised to develop the ceramics-added WC-10Co4Cr coatings. The study conducted erosion tests using a pot tester under mining conditions. The microstructure, crystalline phases and microhardness of the as-HVOF coatings were analysed and compared between the pure and ceramics-based WC-10Co4Cr coatings. The results revealed the effect of ceramics addition on surface erosion of WC-10Co4Cr coating. The results indicate that yttrium oxide enhances the performance of WC-10Co4Cr coating in terms of erosion resistance, while zirconium oxide is not suitable for use in WC-10Co4Cr coating in erosion wear environments.