Characteristics of the functionally graded coating fabricated by plasma transferred arc centrifugal cladding

Iron-based powders were deposited on the internal wall of a cylinder by means of plasma transferred arc centrifugal cladding. The as-fabricated coating was a functionally graded triple layer coating with microstructures varying from hypereutectic firstly to near eutectic, and then to hypoeutectic structures along the radial direction. Significant enrichment of carbides [M7C3 and M23(C, B)6] was observed in the inner layer. The centrifugal force was responsible for the chemical composition gradient which resulted in the microstructures gradient. Theoretical analysis revealed that Cr, C and B atoms moved toward the inner layer whereas Fe, W and Mo atoms moved toward the outer layer under the effect of centrifugal force, which was confirmed by the quantitative analysis and line-scan profile. Wear resistance of the inner layer of the coating was fairly higher than that of the substrate.