The influence of powder feed rate on mechanical properties of atmospheric plasma spray (APS) Al-12Si coating

In this paper, structural and mechanical properties of APS - atmospheric plasma spray coating Al-12Si are presented. The aim of the research was the optimisation of the flow of powder to produce layers with optimal mechanical and structural properties that will be applied to the worn out parts of airplanes. Three groups of samples were produced, by utilising three powder feed rates: 30 g/min, 45 g/min and 60 g/min. Evaluation of layers' microhardness was done using HV0.3 method and the bond strength was determined by testing of tensile strength. Surface morphology of the deposited powder particles was examined on SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope). The microstructure of the coating with the best measured mechanical properties was subsequently examined in etched condition on optical microscope and SEM (in accordance with the standard PN 585005, Pratt & Whitney). Also, fracture morphology of this coating in deposited state was examined using SEM. It was found that powder feed control with atmospheric plasma spraying can produce dense layers of Al-12Si coating with good bond strength