Tribological properties of MgZrO3 coatings deposited by plasma spraying

Abstract

Because of thermal barrier properties, ceramic-based coatings are widely used for the design of components at high temperature applications. Therefore, 304 L stainless steel substrates were coated with MgZrO3 coatings using atmospheric plasma spray technique. These coatings consist of a transition from the metallic bond layer to cermet and from cermet to the ceramic layer. Produced samples were characterized by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction techniques. Wear tests were carried out in ball-on-disc system at ambient and dry friction conditions under 2 N load for 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2 m s(-1) sliding speeds. The results showed that the friction coefficient values changed between 0.250 and 0.259 depending on sliding speed. The specific wear rate values rise also from 3.4470 to 5.5535 x 10(-3) mm(3) N-1 m(-1) with increasing sliding speed. Detailed examination of formed wear tracks on sample surfaces showed plastic deformation, materials transfer and microcracks.