Structure and properties of coatings produced by pulsed electrospark deposition on nickel alloy using Mo-Si-B electrodes

The kinetics of the pulsed electrospark deposition of coatings onto a nickel alloy substrate in air using compositions of SHS Mo-Si-B electrodes were investigated. The optimal frequency-energy regime of electrospark treatment (E = 0.048 J, I = 120 A, f = 3200 Hz, and τ = 20 μs) characterized by the minimum roughness of the coating surface was determined. The structure, phase composition, and properties of the coatings were comprehensively studied. The wear patterns of the coatings were analysed in tribological tests. The coatings were shown to significantly enhance the hardness, as well as heat and wear resistances, of the nickel alloy and are recommended for use in the protection of critical components.