Attractive tribological properties of Al2O3 coating prepared by SPS in comparison with APS in different environment

Al2O3 coatings were prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) and suspension plasma spraying (SPS). The microstructure, phase composition and nano-hardness of the two coatings were tested. Meanwhile, the friction and wear performance of SPS and APS in different environments were systematically studied. The results showed that both coatings exhibited a stable friction state and low wear rate under different environments. The special fine structure and high hardness value of SPS coating made its wear resistance much higher than that of APS coating. Additionally, the wear mechanisms of the two coatings in dry sliding friction were mainly abrasive wear, fatigue wear and adhesive wear. The APS coating had slight abrasion, while the SPS coating exhibited a negative abrasion state, in the seawater environment.