Characterization and wear properties of plasma sprayed Cr3C2 and Stellite coatings on Inconel 625

Abstract

Abstract Steam turbine blades are subjected to wear because of the continuous exposure to high pressure and temperature of the steam. Excessive wear in the blades adversely affects the power generation. Super alloys are commonly used to overcome these issues. Inconel 625 has been considered for analysis in the current work. To further enhance the wear resistance, Cr3C2 and Stellite were added. The wear behavior of Inconel 625 coated with Cr3C2 and Stellite at constant load and various temperatures are investigated. These coatings were deposited on the base metal by using the atmospheric plasma spray coating process. Fabricated sample pieces are characterized by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Vicker’s microhardness tester. Pin on disc tribometer has been used to study the friction and wear behaviour of the fabricated samples. Impact of the coatings with respect to wear are investigated with the help of SEM and EDAX. At various temperature settings, wear caused by the sliding of Inconel 625 coated with Cr3C2 and Stellite against the EN-8 steel disc are discussed. Temperature variations has affected both the coating’s removal and elemental composition. Stellite at room temperature and Cr3C2 at 400 °C significantly reduced the wear rate of Inconel 625 subjected to 20 N load condition.