Nickel alloy C-263 protection by WC-Cr3C2-Ni coatings against high-temperature wear in nuclear applications

Over the years, substantial improvement in the thermal efficiency resulted in higher operating temperatures for Generation IV nuclear reactors. Therefore, reliable material demanded by designers that could sustain at elevated temperatures environment in nuclear applications. The high-temperature friction and wear behaviour of Ni-based alloy C-263 has been comparatively investigated with WC-Cr3C2-Ni coatings. The commercially available WC-Cr3C2-Ni powder deposited by atmospheric plasma spray (APS) and high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) processes. The high-temperature tribometer used for unidirectional sliding tests at 400 degrees C, 600 degrees C and 750 degrees C. The alloy shows higher specific wear rates compared to both coatings at every temperature interval. Development of tribo-film is responsible for the specific wear rates of both the coatings declined after 600 degrees C. Consequently, the superior wear resistance than Ni-alloy up to 750 degrees C recommends WC-Cr3C2-Ni coatings for high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactors.