Correlation of Microstructures and Tribological Properties of Ferrous Coatings Deposited by Atmospheric Plasma Spraying on Al-Si Cast Alloy Substrate

The microstructure and tribological properties of ferrous coatings applicable to cylinder bores were investigated in this study. Two kinds of ferrous powders were sprayed on Al-Si cast alloy (EN AlSi10Mg) substrate by atmospheric plasma spraying. Microstructural analysis showed that various Fe oxides were formed in the coatings. The presence of pores, unmelted particles, and Fe precipitates was also noticed. The pin-on-ring tribometer was used to carry out tribological tests under lubricated sliding conditions: sliding speed of 0.5 m/s, sliding distance of 5000 m, and normal load of 450 N. High porosity and the presence of larger and irregularly shaped pores as well as the amount of oxides were the controlling factors for the crack initiations and, consequently, the wear rate. Tribological properties of the coatings were compared with gray cast iron as a standard material for cylinder blocks and showed that, for the investigated conditions, both coatings could be an adequate substitution.