Abstract: A simpler and more convenient method for producing wear-resistant, TiC-reinforced coatings were investigated in this study. It consists of the simultaneous synthesis and deposition of TiC-Fe materials by oxyacetylene flame spraying. Solid reagents bound together to form a single particle are injected into the flame stream where an in-situ reaction occurs. The reaction products are propelled onto a substrate to form a coating. Microstructural analyses reveal that TiC and Fe are the dominant phases in the coatings. The reaction between Ti and C happens step by step along with the reactive spray powder flight, and TiC-Fe materials were mainly synthesized where the spray distance is 125-170 mm. The TiC-Fe coatings are composed of alternate TiC-rich and TiC-poor lamellae with different microhardness of 11.9-13.7 and 3.0-6.0GPa, respectively. Submicron and round TiC particles are dispersed within a ductile metal matrix. The peculiar microstructure is thought to be responsible for its good wear resistance, which is better nearly five times than WC-reinforced cermet coatings obtained by traditional oxyacetylene flame spray.

Key words: Combustion synthesis, Composite coatings, TiC-Fe, Submicron particle, Wear resistance