Tribological Performance of Self-Fluxing Ni-Based Coatings Deposited by Gas-Flame Spraying

Abstract

In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of the microstructure, phase composition, surface morphology, and tribological properties of self-fluxing NiCrFeBSiC alloy coatings produced by flame spraying was con ducted. Particular attention was paid to evaluating the influence of different heat treatment regimes — flame heating and furnace heating — on the coating characteristics. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the for mation of the FeNi3 phase, along with Cr7C3, Cr23C6 carbides and boride compounds, which significantly af fect wear resistance. Goniometric measurements showed that the highest surface hydrophobicity (contact an gle of 89.6°) was achieved after furnace heat treatment. Scanning electron microscopy and profilometry stud ies established that furnace heating provides the densest and smoothest structure with the lowest surface roughness (Ra = 13.388 μm). Tribological tests confirmed that this treatment provides the lowest and most stable coefficient of friction (0.138 ± 0.003), which correlates with the microstructural features of the wear track. The obtained results demonstrate the high efficiency of furnace heat treatment in enhancing the per formance characteristics of NiCrFeBSiC-based coatings.