Microstructure and micro-hardness of the Inconel 718 superalloy coating prepared by cold gas dynamic spraying

Inconel 718 superalloy coating was prepared on a martensitic steel substrate by cold gas dynamic spraying (CGDS). Microstructure and micro-hardness of the coating were characterized by means of scanning electronic microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, and micro-hardness and nano-indentation tests. The results have indicated that the coating's thickness can reach more than 300 mu m, and there exists a good interfacial cohesion between the coating and the substrate. The quantity and size of the defects at the bottom, middle and top areas increase gradually. There is no significant change to the original microstructure of the Inconel 718 superalloy particle after the process of CGDS; and an obvious torsional deformation on the particle's profile is produced while little deformation at the center part occurs. The micro-hardness of the coating at the bottom, middle and top areas decreases in turn. Compared with the bottom area, the micro-hardness of the middle and top areas decreases by about 10% and 21%, respectively.