The microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of Ni–Al/h-BN coatings deposited using plasma spraying

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) material was added to a nickel aluminum alloy (Ni–Al), which was deposited as plasma spray coatings, and the resultant enhanced tribological properties of these coatings were investigated. The microstructures of the coatings were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to monitor the morphologies of both the powders and the coatings. After wear testing, the surface morphologies of the scratched coatings were analyzed using an SEM to monitor the fracture mode of the coatings. The results of this study indicate that the addition of h-BN material to Ni–Al results in coatings with enhanced tribological properties.

► The Ni–Al/h-BN was co-deposited as plasma-sprayed coatings.
► Lower degrees of crystallization after MA or plasma spray.
► The h-BN phase transform into a-BN.
► Better tribological properties coating were observed at high temperature.