Tribological properties of nanostructured n-Al2O3/Ni coatings deposited by plasma spraying

Nanostructured n-Al2O3/Ni feedstock for thermal spraying was manufactured by the method of chemical wrapping and spray drying. The nanostructured coating was sprayed with this feedstock. Tribological properties of the coatings and steel 45(#) were tested. Within the testing range, the friction coefficient of coatings against GCr15 steel decreased and the mass loss of coatings increased at first then decreased with the increase of load. Under each load, the coatings' friction coefficients and wear losses were lower than that of steel 45(#). Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer analysis show that adhesion is the dominating wear mechanism, and fatigue exists at the same time. Material transferred from counter-part to the coating is the main factor which influences the coatings' friction coefficient and wear losses.