Effect of High Frequency Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Macroscopic Properties of WC-50Ni+Stellite 1 Coating Layer Fabricated by HVOF Spray Process

The microstructure and macroscopic properties of WC-50Ni+stellite 1(Co-Cr-W, ST1) coating layer fabricated by HVOF spray have been investigated. WC-50Ni powder and ST1 powders were mixed in the ratio of 1:0 and 5:5 wt.%, respectively. Argon heat treatment (Ar) and high-frequency heat treatment (H.F.) were conducted on the coating materials. WC was decomposed in the Ar heat treatment specimen, but decomposition of WC was not observed in the H.F. heat treatment specimen. Hardness was measured for as-sprayed WC-50Ni (821.5Hv) and as-sprayed WC-50Ni+ST1 (668.1 Hv). Hardness of Ar heat treatment specimen was reduced by about 14~18% than that of the as-sprayed coating layers. However, when the H.F. heat treatment was performed, the hardness inversely increased by about 6~10% than the as-sprayed coating layer. Based on these results, the method to improve the mechanical property of HVOF sprayed WC-50Ni+ST1 coating layer has also been also discussed.