Microstructure and tribological properties of plasma sprayed Cu-15Ni-8Sn coatings

Cu-15Ni-8Sn coatings were prepared using atmospheric plasma spraying. The influences of arc current and aging treatment on the microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties were investigated. The coating microstructure, the wear track and the wear debris were observed and analyzed. The melting state of the particles is improved by increasing of arc current. The hardness of the aged coatings is higher than the as-sprayed coatings. The wear resistance of the aged coatings is 3-4 times higher than the as-sprayed coatings. The continuous smooth tribolayer formed on the wear tracks contributes to the low wear rate of aged coatings. The dominant wear mechanism of the coatings is delamination coupled with spalling under dry sliding condition. This work provides an effective method for producing spinodal alloy coatings with enhanced mechanical and tribological properties.