WEAR ANALYSIS OF NANOCOMPOSITE COATINGS, OBTAINED USING ELECTROEROSION MATERIALS

Abstract

Plasma coating application technologies were widely developed in 60-80s of the previous century, both in terms of theory and practice, mainly in defense sectors of industry, which made it possible to achieve high results in the aerospace industry, military aircraft industry, turbomachinery for different purposes. The induced focus on application of foreign inventions (equipment, materials, and technologies) in this area contradicts with national interests, since these technologies are of dual-use application and are used in the defense industry, and, therefore come to the overseas market quite outdated both in theory and practice. The subject matter of the technology of plasma spraying is the low-temperature plasma production based on the electric arc discharge in different gases or their combinations. Plasma (ionized gas flow of 20000°С...30000°С) is formed in a specialized plasma generator, plasmatron). Metal, metallic ceramics, ceramics powder is added into the produced in the plasmatron plasma flow in a set place and is nearly immediately fused, accelerated to the speed of 100...500 m/s and more and is applied on the part. The result is that rather a thin coating (0.2 -1mm, as a rule) with high performance parameters is formed on the part surface. To obtain such coatings different metal powders are required. This research is aimed at the studying of nanocomposite coating wear characteristics. Sample and counter sample surface friction factor and wear rate were measured using an automated computer-controlled friction and wear machine (Tribometer, CSM Instruments, Switzerland), by means of a standard test pattern “ball-disc”.