The solid particle erosion performance of tungsten inert gas yttria-stabilized zirconia - Inconel 625 composite cladding

The yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) - Inconel 625 (IN625) composite cladding was deposited on a stainless steel substrate using a tungsten inert gas welding manipulator to protect it from solid particle erosion. Erosion wear tests were carried out at room temperature according to the ASTM G76-18 procedure. The surface of the tested material was exposed to a jet of alumina erodent particles at impact angles of 30 and 90°, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images were utilized to examine the morphologies of the eroded surface and the microstructure of cladding. The erosive performance of YSZ - IN625 composite cladding was 3.5 and 2.4 times compared to the substrate at different impact angles. Improved microhardness and fracture toughness resulting from the favourable interaction between the hard ceramic YSZ particles and the IN625 matrix led to the enhanced erosion performance of composite cladding. Micro-cutting and ploughing were the predominant wear mechanisms in the substrate during the solid particle erosion test at a 30° impact angle, whereas the indentation-induced plastic deformation was domi­nant at a 90° impact angle. The results also revealed that the micro-cutting, detached splats and fissures were responsible for the wear in composite cladding at 30 and 90° impact angles.