Phase stability of chrome‐carbide Ni–Cr coatings in low‐oxygen environments

The thermal stability of the phases in chrome‐carbide‐based, wear‐resistant coatings, applied by plasma and detonation gun (D‐gun) devices, was investigated for applications in low‐oxygen environments. It was found that current coatings using the Cr3C2 carbide in a Ni–Cr binder decomposed to lower carbides, and consumed Cr from the binder upon long‐term exposure at elevated temperature. Two new coatings based on the Cr23C6 carbide were found to have excellent thermal stability, as well as excellent wear properties.