Formation of coating and tribological behavior of kinetic sprayed Fe-based bulk metallic glass

Fe-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) was sprayed through the kinetic spraying process using different conditions. By using helium as the process gas and a preheating system for the powder, it was possible to form a dense coating. This study focused on the deposition characteristics and tribological behavior of Fe-based BMG coating in comparison to the bearing materials (bearing steel and steel-backed sintered bearing) for industrial applications. Observations of the worn surface of the coating revealed that the plastic deformation with grooves and some debris were prominent with no visible cracking or fracture. Fe-based BMG coating showed a good wear resistance with a low friction coefficient.

Research highlightsFe-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) coating formed through the kinetic spraying process showed a good wear resistance with a low friction coefficient. The worn surface of the Fe-based BMG mainly revealed that the plastic deformation with grooves and some debris were observable with no visible cracking or fracture. It can be concluded that the kinetic spray process is suitable for the formation of Fe-based BMG coating, a potential material for application in bearing parts.