Surface modification of HVOF thermal sprayed WC–CoCr coatings by laser treatment

In this work the affects of laser characteristics on microstructure and microhardness of high velocity oxygen fuel sprayed (HVOF) WC–CoCr coatings were investigated. The coating was deposited with a Sulzer Metco WokaJet™-400 kerosene fuel and the laser surface treatments were applied using CO2 laser with 10.6 μm wavelength. Large variations in surface properties were produced from variation in the laser processing parameters. In total, four levels of peak power (100, 200, 300 and 350 W), four levels of spot diameter (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 1 mm) and three levels of pulse repetition frequency (PRF) were investigated. An initial set of tests were followed by a more detailed 33 factorial design of experiments. Pulse repetition frequency and duty cycle were set in order to maintain the same overlap in the x and y directions for the raster scanned sample spot impact dimensions. Overlaps of 30% were used in the initial tests and 10% in the more detailed trials. The results have shown that care must be taken to keep the irradiance at a relatively low level compared to uncoated surfaces. High irradiance can in this case result in rough and porous surfaces. Lower levels of irradiance are shown to provide more uniform microstructures, reduced porosity and increased microhardness

HVOF-Deposited WCCoCr as Replacement for Hard Cr in Landing Gear Actuators

WCCoCr coatings deposited by HVOF can replace hard Cr on landing gear components. Powders with two different WC particle sizes (micro and nano-) and geometries have been employed to study the effects on the coating’s properties. Moreover, coatings produced employing two sets of parameters resulting in high and low flame temperatures have been evaluated. Minor differences in microstructure and morphology were observed for the two powders employing the same spraying parameters, but the nano-sized powder exhibited a higher spraying efficiency. However, more significant microstructural changes result when the low- and high-energy spray parameters are used. Moreover, results of various tests which include adhesion, wear, salt fog corrosion resistance, liquid immersion, and axial fatigue strength, indicate that the coatings produced with high-energy flame are similar in behavior. On the other hand, the nanostructured low-energy flame coating exhibited a significantly lower salt fog corrosion resistanc

Towards an integrated set of surface meteorological observations for climate science and applications

Observations are the foundation for understanding the climate system. Yet, currently available land meteorological data are highly fractured into various global, regional and national holdings for different variables and timescales, from a variety of sources, and in a mixture of formats. Added to this, many data are still inaccessible for analysis and usage. To meet modern scientific and societal demands as well as emerging needs such as the provision of climate services, it is essential that we improve the management and curation of available land-based meteorological holdings. We need a comprehensive global set of data holdings, of known provenance, that is truly integrated both across Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) and across timescales to meet the broad range of stakeholder needs. These holdings must be easily discoverable, made available in accessible formats, and backed up by multi-tiered user support. The present paper provides a high level overview, based upon broad community input, of the steps that are required to bring about this integration. The significant challenge is to find a sustained means to realize this vision. This requires a long-term international program. The database that results will transform our collective ability to provide societally relevant research, analysis and predictions in many weather and climate related application areas across much of the globe

Morfología de los óxidos superficiales en los recubrimientos convencionales y nanocristalinos de NiCrAlY sometidos a alta temperatura

HVOF thermal spray process was used to produce conventional and nanostructured NiCrAlY coatings. The oxidation behaviour at 1000oC of both coatings has been studied. The morphology of the oxides suggests that the nanostructured coating exhibited improved oxidation behaviour compared to conventional counterparts.<br><br>El objetivo del presente trabajo es el estudio de la morfología de los óxidos formados en la superficie de los recubrimientos convencionales y nanocristalinos de NiCrAlY, obtenidos mediante proyección térmica HVOF, al someter el material a 1000 ºC. El afino de grano obtenido en el recubrimiento nanocristalino de NiCrAlY parece ser el responsable de la variación de la morfología de los óxidos formados después del tratamiento a alta temperatura, lo cual sugiere que podrán presentar un mejor comportamiento frente a la oxidación en comparación con los recubrimientos convencionales

Comportamiento tribológico de los recubrimientos nanocristalinos de CrC-NiCr obtenidos por proyección térmica HVOF

One of the most important uses of HVOF thermal plasma spray coatings is for wear resistance. In this work, the characteristics of nanocristalline CCr-NiCr coating and their effect on the mechanical properties and tribological behaviour of the material have been investigated. The objective of this study is the replacement of hazardous hard chromium plating technology used today in industry for an efficient and clean HVOF technology, using micro and nanocristalline CCr-NiCr coatings. Commercially available CCr-NiCr powder was mechanically treated, in order to obtain nano powders. Later the HVOF thermal spray process was used to produce conventional and nanocrystalline CCr-NiCr coatings. The ultra-microindentation technique was applied to evaluate the grain size effect in the hardness and the elasto-plastic properties of the coating. Difference in roughness has been determined by profilometry. The coating microstructures were characterised by SEM and optical microscopy and the porosity percentage was determined by Image Analysis technique. In order to evaluate the friction and wear properties of different substrate materials a reciprocating sliding motion has been used. CrC-NiCr standard coatings shows better tribological properties than WC-CoCr coatings.<br><br>Una de las características más importantes de los recubrimientos de proyección térmica HVOF es su resistencia al desgaste. En este proyecto, se han investigado las características del recubrimiento nanocristalinos de CrC-NiCr y su efecto en las propiedades mecánicas y tribológicas del material. De acuerdo con los ensayos realizados, los recubrimientos nanocristalinos CrC-NiCr proporcionan una rugosidad un 66% menor, que los recubrimientos estándar, lo que produce una importante mejora en las propiedades de fricción (reducción coeficiente de fricción del 38%) y desgaste (reducción del desgaste del 84%)

Surface finish effect on the anodizing behaviour of Al-Si components obtained by sub-liquidus casting process.

The aim of this study was to investigate the hard decorative anodizing components of A357 aluminium alloy, obtained in semisolid state by Sub Liquidus Casting® process, to improve its tribological properties and corrosion resistance. Components were heat treated in order to modify the shape and distribution of the eutectic silicon phase. The influence of shot peening pre-treatment on anodizing process was evaluated. Surface modifications were investigated as they might have beneficial effects on the wear and corrosion behaviour. Furthermore, the influence of surface condition on the anodization colouring behaviour of aluminium was studied. The microstructure and the surface finish influence on the anodic oxide film growth were studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Experiments using a tribometer (ball on disc configuration) were performed in order to evaluate the tribological properties of the material. Salt spray corrosion tests were used to study the corrosion properties before and after the anodizing process.Peer Reviewe