Nanostructural WC-Co coatings by utilizing novel powder manufacturing route using water soluble raw materials

Tungsten carbide-based hard metal coatings are extensively used in demanding industrial applications like for wear protection purposes. Continuously increasing demands set new limits and need for materials with enhanced features. One solution is to improve hard metal properties by nanostructures. Presented study is part of a research where novel and safe route to manufacture nanostructural WC-Co powders starting from water soluble raw materials was developed. In this study powders' workability in thermal spray coatings is studied. WC-12Co powder was manufactured using water soluble raw materials: ammonium metatungstate as a tungsten source, glycine as a carbon source and cobalt acetate as a cobalt source. The powder was manufactured via optimized spray drying and heat treatment method producing a correct phase structure and chemical composition. Experimental powder was sprayed by HVAF-spraying to study its workability and functionality. Morphology, microstructure and properties were analyzed from the experimental nanostructural powder and the HVAF-coatings.