The influences of heat treatments and interdiffusion on the adhesion of plasma-sprayed NiCrAlY coatings

Most coatings are applied with a specific aim in mind, such as improving the base material resistance to corrosion or wear, or providing a barrier against high temperatures. These aims can obviously only be achieved if the coating is properly bonded to the substrate. This study is focused on a NiCrAlY metallic bonding layer and its adhesion on to nickel-based superalloy substrate. It also looks at the influence of different spraying methods (atmospheric plasma spraying and vacuum plasma spraying) and the influence of a post-heat treatment on adhesion of the coatings. In order to determine adherence, a Vickers indentation test was performed at the substrate/coating interface. In each case, the residual stresses were evaluated by a step-by-step hole drilling method and these were taken into account in assessing the adhesion parameters. The results were supplemented by a microstructural study of the interface.