Corrosion Behavior of WC-Co Cermet Coatings

Abstract

Metal-ceramic composite or cermet coatings have become popular due to their enhanced wear and corrosion resistance properties. Cermet consists of ceramic particulate embedded in a metallic binder. WC-Co coatings are often used in applications that require wear resistance, but there are many applications in which thermally sprayed coatings have been deposited on components that operate under both abrasive and corrosive condition. Thus, in this study, the corrosion behavior of WC-12wt%Co in different electrolyte has been evaluated. Electrochemical test has been done in three electrolytes namely 0.5 M hydrochloric acid, HCl, 0.5 M sulfuric acid, H2SO4 and 0.5 M sodium hydroxide, NaOH. It is found that corrosion potential of this coating in acidic environment is more positive compares to in alkaline environment. Both in acid and alkaline electrolyte, binder dissolution were preferential. It may be concluded that this coating have higher corrosion resistance in alkaline electrolyte than in acid electrolyte.