Pulsed-Plasma Modification of Surface Properties and Coating Deposition

Abstract

A review of current state of the pulsed-plasma detonation technology, which is applied for modification of structure and mechanical properties as well as for deposition of protective coatings used to solve different functional problems, is presented. Metals (α-Fe, Cu), steels, alloys (including titanium alloys) are used as examples to demonstrate the abilities of the surface modification by the pulsed-plasma jet with velocity 1–8 km/s and temperature 10^3–3⋅10^4 K. Structure and properties of metallic and metalloceramic coatings (Al2O3, Al2O3+Cr2O3, WC–Co; stainless steel 316L; Hastelloy C on Ni base) are considered. Deposition of such protective coatings results in significant improvement of the mechanical characteristics as tool servicing life, hardness, corrosion resistance, abrasive wear resistance, etc. As demonstrated, in some cases for better results, the surfaces of tools made of metals and alloys should be subjected to the duplex treatment, for example, to the vibration rolling with subsequent treatment by the pulsed-plasma jet, which provide significant improvement of their mechanical characteristics. A conclusion about the future promising application of the above technologies in various industrial branches in the nearest future is made.

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