Producing WC-Co coating with electrolytic plasma processing on low carbon steel and investigation its wear resistance

In this study WC-Co coating was produced on low carbon steel substrate by electrolytic plasma processing (EPP). EPP is an emerging, environmentally friendly surface engineering technology. Cermet coatings can improve tribologycal properties of steel substrates. Cermet coatings which were provided by EPP not only have suitable surface features, but also have unique morphology which causes good adhesion to the substrate. The samples were coated by applying direct current and voltage of 110 volt. Morphology and cross-sectional observations and also wear path were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results of energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) indicate the presence of tungsten, carbon, cobalt and iron in the coating. Wear tests have been carried out with a pin on disc device and SAE52100 pin. Based on the results of this test, samples which were coated with WC-Co, show higher wear resistance and lower friction coefficient (0.7). Worn path images reveal that the dominant mechanism of wear is abrasive.