Wear resistance of TiB₂-316L stainless steel matrix composite coatings deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying

TiB₂-316L stainless steel matrix composite powders contained 10mass% and 40mass% TiB₂ were prepared by high energy ball milling and spray-drying processes respectively.Atmospheric plasma spraying deposited corresponding coatings and 316 L stainless steel coating.High velocity block-on-ring wear tester was used to test wear resistance of as-sprayed coatings.X-ray diffraction analyzed the constitution of as-sprayed coatings.Scanning electron microscope was employed to character as-sprayed coatings, feedstocks and the worn surface morphology.Results show that wear resistance of as-sprayed TiB₂-316L stainless steel matrix composite coatings is prior to 316L stainless steel coating.TiB₂ particles act as reinforcement component in the coating and oxides from tribo-oxidation of TiB₂ in the tribo contact, which possessed self-lubricating function, can reduce mass loss of the coatings during sliding wear.