Effect of Heat Treatment on the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Dual-Reinforced Cold-Sprayed Al Coatings

The aluminum cold spray feedstock powder was single- and dual-reinforced with no greater than 2 vol% boron nitride nanoplatelets (BNNP) and/or nanometric carbide (nB4C). These powders were sprayed onto Al-6061 substrates then heat-treated in an argon environment. In addition, micro- nano-indentation hardness wear testing performed on the samples. Further microscopy optical profilometry used to characterize microstructure track volumes. Minimal changes splat structure observed after heat treatment. However, when compared pure Al coating, microhardness improved reinforcement treatment at 500 °C, while nanohardness only coatings, again °C. elastic modulus generally decreased for reinforced coatings treatment; however, indentation test results mixed. done samples treated °C one hour showed increases specific rate single-reinforced but decreases coatings. indicate that both dual-reinforcement are required improvements mechanical tribological properties of nanocomposites.