Processing and Characterization of Beads with Graded Layer Compositions Based on Zirconia and TRIP‐Steel

A new and innovative coating process of metal matrix beads fabricated using a gel‐casting process by alginate gelation is presented. The suspensions contain austenitic stainless steel and magnesia partially stabilizes zirconia. The prepared beads are coated using two different methods − spraying and dipping. Sintered beads with the used spray coating have an adequate compressive strength (≈550 MPa), good surface quality, homogeneous microstructure, and high energy absorption capability. At lower strains (up to 20%), the spray coated beads obtain much higher specific energy absorption (SEA) in comparison to pure steel beads and in comparison to non‐coated MMC beads based on 90 vol% steel and 10 vol% zirconia: the coated beads show a significantly improved energy absorption capability with 10.7 kJ kg⁻¹ at a strain of 20%. Pure steel only exhibits a SEA of 5.2 kJ kg⁻¹.