Comparison between WC-10Co-4Cr and Cr3C2-25NiCr coatings sprayed on H13 steel by HVOF

WC-10Co-4Cr and Cr3C2-25NiCr coatings were deposited on H13 steel by high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) spraying. To enhance the thermal stability of the WC-10Co-4Cr coating, NiCr powders were sprayed between the surface coating and substrate. The microstructures of the surface and cross section, thermal shock and wear resistance of these two coatings were investigated in detail. The carbon diffusion in the two coatings was explained from the view of the thermodynamic. And the adhesive strength of Cr3C2-25NiCr coating (64.40 MPa) is almost the same as that of WC-10Co-4Cr coating (61.69 MPa). The friction tests show that the Cr3C2-25NiCr coating has higher friction coefficient than the WC-10Co-4Cr coating at both 500 and 600 °C. The wear resistance of the Cr3C2-25NiCr coating is better than that of the WC-10Co-4Cr coating.