Microstructure, mechanical property and wear performance of cold sprayed Al5056/SiCp composite coatings: Effect of reinforcement content

SiC particle reinforced Al5056 composite coatings were prepared by cold spraying using initial powders containing 15, 30, 45 and 60 vol.% SiC. Effects of SiC content in the coating on microstructure, mechanical property and wear behavior of the coatings were studied. Experimental results show that the SiC particles in the coating improve the deformation of Al5056 particles and also increase the hardness of the coating. The cohesion strength of the composite coatings firstly increases and then decreases with the increase of SiC content in the coatings as a result of comprehensive effects of the SiC particles on improving the deformation of Al5056 particles and on reducing the effective contact area between the Al5056 particles. Finally, tribological tests show that the SiC particle and its content in the coatings would greatly influence the tribological behavior of the coatings. The worn tracks suggest that the delaminating wear is the wear mechanism of the Al5056 and Al5056/SiCp coatings at the present tribological condition.