NiCr coatings on stainless steel by HVOF technique

This paper demonstrates the successful application of NiCr coatings on stainless steel substrates using a high velocity oxy-fuel technique for corrosion applications. We present preliminary results of fabrication and microstructural characterization of NiCr coatings. These coatings were characterized by means of an optical microscope, image analyzer, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction (XRD). A microhardness tester was used in order to determine the mechanical properties of the coating. Microstructural observations pointed out that the NiCr layers possessed porosity, oxidized, unmelted and semimelted particles, and inclusions. XRD results indicated that the outstanding phase of NiCr powder and coating was Ni. It was also found that the microhardness values decreased from the coating to substrate. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.