Tribological properties of plasma sprayed self-lubricating NiCr/Cr(3)C(2)-BN composite coatings

In this study, two kinds of NiCr/Cr(3)C(2)-BN composite powders were prepared with individual cladding (FKBN) and low pressure spray granulation (YLBN) methods, and the derived NiCr/Cr(3)C(2)-BN coatings were fabricated by plasma spraying technology. The microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of the two coatings were systematically investigated. Both NiCr/Cr(3)C(2)-BN coatings have relatively high adhesive strength and microhardness, but the porosity of YLBN coating is much lower than that of FKBN coating. With comparison to FKBN coating, YLBN coating showed lower friction coefficient and better wear resistance, which was attributed to the more compact microstructure and uniform distribution of BN in the coating