Abstract
HVOF thermal spray coating of Co-alloy T800 is progressively replacing the classical hard coatings such as chrome plating because of the very toxic $Cr^{6+}$ ion known as carcinogen causing lung cancer. For the study of the possibility of replacing of chrome plating, the wear properties of HVOF Co-alloy T800 coatings are investigated using the reciprocating sliding tester both at room and at an elevated temperature of $1000^{\circ}F\;(538^{\circ}C)$. The possibility as durability improvement coating is studied for the application to the high speed spindles vulnerable to frictional heat and wear. Wear mechanisms at the reciprocating sliding wear test are studied for the application to the systems similar to the sliding test such as high speed spindles. Wear debris and frictional coefficients of T800 coatings both at room and at an elevated temperature of $1000^{\circ}F\;(538^{\circ}C)$ are drastically reduced compared to those of non-coated surface of parent substrate Inconel 718. This study shows that the coating is recommendable for the durability improvement coatings on the surfaces vulnerable to frictional heat. The sliding surfaces are weared by the mixed mechanisms such as oxidative wear, abrasion by the sliding ball slurry erosion by the mixture of solid particles and small drops of the melts and semi-melts of the attrited particles cavitation by the relative motions among the coating, sliding ball, the melts and semi-melts. and corrosive wear. The oxide particles and the melts and semi-melts play roles as solid and liquid lubricant reducing the wear and friction coefficient.