Cracking resistance of Cr3C2–NiCr and WC–Cr3C2–Ni thermally sprayed coatings under tensile bending stress.

The cracking behaviour of Cr 3 C 2 –25(Ni20Cr) and WC–20Cr 3 C 2 –7Ni thermally sprayed coatings during tensile load in 3-point bending tests was studied by Acoustic Emission (AE) monitoring and microstructure post-analysis. The AE monitoring reveals a superior resistance against cracking in the WC–Cr 3 C 2 –Ni coatings compared to Cr 3 C 2 –NiCr. The incorporation of tungsten carbides beneficially affects the residual stress state of the coatings and has an impact on the detailed fracture mode. The results hold for both as-sprayed as well as ground and polished coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]