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Microstructural Characterization and Strengthening-Toughening Mechanism of Plasma-Sprayed Al2O3-Cr2O3 Composite Coatings

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Abstract

In this study, Al2O3, Cr2O3, and Al2O3-Cr2O3 coatings were fabricated by plasma spraying. X-ray diffraction was employed to determine the phase composition of powders and coatings. The morphologies and microstructures of the coatings were characterized using electron probe microanalyzer and transmission electron microscopy. Vickers hardness, fracture toughness, and bending strength of the coatings were measured. Al2O3-Cr2O3 composite coatings show better comprehensive mechanical properties than the individual Al2O3 and Cr2O3 coatings, which are attributed to the former's larger intersplat adhesion or interlamellar cohesion and lower porosity. Solid solution strengthens the phase interfaces and grain boundaries, which is beneficial to improve the mechanical performance of the composite coatings.

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Acknowledgments

The study is jointly supported by 2011 Innovation Fund of SICCAS (Y25ZC6160G), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (20100480039), Shanghai Postdoctoral Science Foundation (11R21416800), and Chinese Academy of Sciences K.C.Wong Post-doctoral Fellowships.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Key Laboratory of Inorganic Coating Materials, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, People’s Republic of China

    Kai Yang, Xiaming Zhou & Shunyan Tao

  2. Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, People’s Republic of China

    Kai Yang, Jingwei Feng, Xiaming Zhou & Shunyan Tao

  3. Inorganic Materials Analysis and Testing Center, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, People’s Republic of China

    Jingwei Feng

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  1. Kai Yang
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  2. Jingwei Feng
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Correspondence to Kai Yang.

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Yang, K., Feng, J., Zhou, X. et al. Microstructural Characterization and Strengthening-Toughening Mechanism of Plasma-Sprayed Al2O3-Cr2O3 Composite Coatings. J Therm Spray Tech 21, 1011–1024 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11666-012-9796-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11666-012-9796-4

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