Phase transformation of NiCrBSi-WC and NiBSi-WC arc sprayed coatings

► Microstructural study of arc-sprayed NiCrBSi-WC and NiBSi-WC coatings ► WC/W2C dissolves into Ni-rich matrix, forming γ-Ni solution containing W (and Cr). ► More W dissolves in NiBSi than in NiCrBSi hence a lower hardness in NiBSi-WC coating. ► NiBSi-WC coating performs better than NiCrBSi-WC coating in a dry sliding wear test.