Wear and Corrosion Properties of Plasma Transferred Arc Ni-based Coatings Reinforced with NbC Particles

The wear and corrosion resistance of Ni-based niobium carbide (NbC) coatings were investigated via scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction, electrochemical polarization, electrochemicl impedance spectroscopy, digital microhardness testing and wear testing. The results showed that the substrate was mainly composed of a γ-Cr (Fe) solid solution, and the composite coating was composed of FeNi, NbC, and Ni. In addition, the hardness of the coating increased gradually with increasing NbC content. The optimal corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the coating were realized at an NbC content of 20%