INFLUENCE OF CARBON NANOTUBES REINFORCEMENT ON CHARACTERISTICS OF THERMALLY SPRAYED CERAMIC COATINGS
Abstract
The influence of reinforcement of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on microstructural features and mechanical properties of thermally sprayed Al2O3–3wt.%TiO2 and WC–20wt.%Co coatings was investigated. Alumina–Titania coatings were deposited by Air Plasma Spraying (APS) and Tungsten Carbide–Cobalt coatings were deposited by High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) spraying process. The coatings obtained with reinforcement of CNTs were characterized to interpret the microstructural changes and also to evaluate the variation in their mechanical properties. The percentage composition of CNTs in both APS and HVOF coatings systems were varied in the order of 2, 4, and 6wt.%. It has been found that homogenous dispersion of carbon nanotubes in the coating systems results in increased microhardness and reduced surface roughness. Also, the microstructural features of the coating systems clearly showed that the coatings are denser with fewer pores due to the presence of CNTs.
