Development, characterization, and cavitation erosion analysis of high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) sprayed TiC and (70Cu-30Ni)-Cr based composite coatings on SS316 steel

A novel composite coating was developed by depositing powders of Titanium Carbide (TiC) with Cupronickel (70Cu-30Ni) and Chromium (Cr) as binders onto SS316 steel specimens using the High Velocity Oxy Fuel (HVOF) process. The developed coatings were characterized using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and their surface hardness, surface roughness, and porosity were evaluated. The cavitation erosion resistance of the coated and uncoated specimens was tested using a High Stream Water Jet Rig under varying impingement conditions. Coating with TiC+ 50% (70Cu-30Ni)-Cr exhibited better resistance to induced pressure waves than any other proportion of coatings, due to their intermediate hardness and better damping effect. Further, a mixed mode of failure was observed in the TiC+ 50%(70Cu-30Ni)-Cr coating.