Microstructural characteristics of cold-sprayed nanostructured WC–Co coatings

Abstract The cold-spray process was used to prepare nanostructured WC–Co coatings. The coating microstructural characteristics and phase composition were analyzed via optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology and microstructure of the nanostructured WC–Co powder were also analyzed by SEM and XRD. A 10 μm thick coating was achieved. The powder particles and coating microhardness were also evaluated and compared. The results show that there is no degradation of the WC–Co powder during the cold-spray process and well bonded and phase pure WC coating can be produced by the cold-spray process.