Solid Particle Erosion of Thermal Sprayed Coatings

Abstract

Solid particle erosion is an important material degradation mechanism. Although various methods of coating are tried and used for protection against erosion, thermal sprayed coating for such purpose is the most widely used method. In this chapter, evolution of thermal sprayed coating, erosion testing methods, and erosive wear of thermal sprayed coatings are discussed extensively with emphasis on recent developments. It is generally found that erosion of thermal sprayed coatings depends on erosion test conditions, microstructural features, and mechanical properties of the coating materials. Most thermal sprayed coatings respond in brittle manner having maximum erosion rate at oblique impact and velocity exponent in excess of 3.0. Erosion rate is also dependent on thermal spraying techniques and post coating treatment. However, little work is done on dependence of erosion rate on coating techniques and coating conditions. Future direction of work is also reported.