Technology and Characterization of Composite Thermal Spray Powders

This article focuses on the characterization of WC-based composite spray powders produced by mechanically activated synthesis. The main characteristics of the powder (particle/granules size, size distribution, morphology, chemical composition and granules microstructure) were determined. Chemical composition of powder particles by energy-dispersive X-ray mapping technology and atomic emission spectroscopy was studied. For particle morphology image analysing method was used. Granularity of the produced powders was analysed by laser diffraction analyser. Also sieve and image analyses were used. The final goal was to obtain abrasive wear resistant coatings by thermal spray and to study their wear resistance. A good wear resistance of coating was demonstrated