Tuesday, March 13, 2018

An Overview Of Tungsten Carbide Coatings

By Richard Patterson


Tungsten carbide is a chemical compound consisting of various metallic and non-metallic elements which pose cohesive and adhesive properties in their chemical structures. They exhibit the above characteristics when treated under controlled chemical conditions. Therefore, the compound is applied as a coating powder due to their distinct binding properties to form an anti-wear coating to galling, abrasion and fretting. The tungsten carbide coatings are primarily done by thermal sprays to achieve a strong concrete coating.

Similarly, the carbide coatings are also used in plasma sprays where they produce a relatively finer texture depending on the mode of application. In such instances, the flame spray is warranted as a secondary operation for fusibility purposes and to provide a metallurgic coating. Therefore, the carbide as a powdered feed-stock ensures consistent production in its application when HVOF thermal or plasma sprays are used.

The application process entails a sequential chemical procedure. A fuel gas together with oxygen is com-busted in high pressure and temperature chamber. This produces a hot, high-pressure gas which is jetted through the minute radial nozzle. It is also accelerated at turbo speed in a long barrel. Tungsten carbide powder is then injected into the nozzle to blend with the high-velocity gas.

The speeding gas-powder mixture is then imparted on the metal surface where its speed yields to zero, but the particles normally absorb it by cohesively clinging together and adhesive attaching permanently to the metal surface. This leads to the formation of a very turgid, rigid coating. The coating shiny and smooth due to its low porosity characteristics. Also, the resulting coating is strongly bonded by giant ionic bonds which contribute to its durability.

Some critical instances demand a specified coating texture. It is thus achieved through mixing the carbide powder with the selected binder material containing the desired characteristics. The resulting compound manifest increased hardness due to its higher boiling point. It is thus sprayed by a high-velocity oxygen thermal spray resulting in the formation of a hard and resistant to corrosion coating.

Similarly, the chemical procedure employed instills a greater influence on the coating characteristics and its ability to withstand abrasive processes like erosion, corrosion and wear. Owing to the above features, the coating technique is widely applicable in industrial production. For instance, in paper production where the rolling surface is coated to attain the desired paper output regarding quality and texture specifically.

The coating technology is also applicable to power generation points, majorly coal-oriented power plants. It plays a key role in maintaining the surfaces from adverse conditions like corrosion. Similarly, the coating is also widely used in steel and metal production from the fabrication process to the finishing process. Collectively, it serves as cost reduction technique, and thus it efficiently fosters productivity.

Finally, the coating accrues a pool of benefits over other coating elements in that despite its punishing ability on operating conditions; it is the easiest mode of coating in the application. Its deposition process is faster than the anciently used conventional chrome plating. Similarly, it does not undergo the time and cost required for hydrogen embrittlement treatment.




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