Quantitative determination of SiC particles distribution of cold sprayed Al5056/SiC composite coatings

Abstract

In order to explore an easy way determining the hard particle distribution in the cold sprayed composite coatings. Four Al5056/SiC composite coatings were employed in the present study. One quantitative metallographic analysis method, box-counting (BC) and hardness indentation method, the Weibull distribution were used. The relative deviation value σ and the shape parameter m were used as the quantitative factors for determining the uniformity of the SiC distribution in the coating, respectively. Results show that both methods obtained the same tendency that the uniformity of SiC distribution in the coating following the order of Al5056 + 30vol.-%SiC> +15vol.-% SiC> +45vol.-%SiC> +60vol.-%SiC. Results suggest that the increase of the SiC content could worsen the SiC uniformity in the composite coatings. However, there is still an optimised SiC content for uniform distribution, as for the 30vol.-% for the present case. The hardness Weibull distribution is more simple and feasible than the BC method.

Study on distribution uniformity of hard phases in composite coating

“…The relative deviation value σ (σ = |D-2|/2) can be a quantitative factor that determines the hard-phase distribution uniformity in the coating. A smaller σ indicates a better uniformity [23]. FLUENT simulates hard-phase distribution ANSYS FLUENT 18.0 was used to simulate the velocity that was deposited on the substrate.…”

“…The box dimension method was used to calculate the distribution uniformity of the hard phase [23,24], and Image-Pro Plus software was used to calculate the number, area, and centroid coordinates of ceramic particles in the coating, as shown in Figure 2. The relative deviation value σ ( σ = |D-2|/2) can be a quantitative factor that determines the hard-phase distribution uniformity in the coating.…”

“…The relative deviation value σ ( σ = |D-2|/2) can be a quantitative factor that determines the hard-phase distribution uniformity in the coating. A smaller σ indicates a better uniformity [23].

Figure 2 (a) Constructed square for composite coating, (b) Image-Pro Plus software application diagram.

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“…It remains difficult to control the distribution uniformity of the hard phase in the composite coating. Even if there are already Weibull distribution method and box dimension method to quantify the distribution uniformity of the hard phase, but they did not establish the influencing factors [23]. Therefore, this research was conducted on cold-sprayed hard phase reinforced metal matrix composite coatings to establish the factors that affect the distribution uniformity of the cold-sprayed hard phase composite coating and to provide an important theoretical basis to regulate the coating performance and promote a cold-sprayed composite coating in rapid manufacturing and parts repair applications.…”