Features of the Formation of Electrospark Coatings on the CompoNiAl-M5-3 Alloy Produced from Nickel Monoaluminide Using an Electrode Made of Zr–18% Ni Eutectic Alloy

To improve the performance of the CompoNiAl-M5-3 alloy produced from nickel monoaluminide, protective coatings were applied by electrospark deposition (ESD) using electrodes made of the Zr–18%Ni eutectic alloy. The coatings were applied in an argon environment using tools for manual treatment both of vibrational and rotational types with the connection of direct and reverse polarities. It was determined that the maximum total deposition on the cathode of 11.17 × 10–4 cm3 is achieved when using a tool of the rotational type with a direct polarity of connection. The obtained coatings are characterized by 100% continuity at a thickness of 20–25 μm, hardness of 11.6–14.6 GPa, and elastic modulus of 162–174 GPa. Electrospark treatment increases the hardness of the CompoNiAl-M5-3 alloy by a factor of 1.4 to 1.8, wear resistance by factor of 3.3 to 16.2, and heat resistance at a temperature of 1150°C for 5 h decreases coefficient of friction.