Effect of dispersed TiC content on the microstructure and thermal expansion behavior of shrouded-plasma-sprayed FeAl/TiC composite coatings

FeAl intermetallic matrix composites reinforced by ceramic particles such as titanium carbide have attracted much attention in recent years. In this study, shrouded plasma spraying with nitrogen as a protective gas was employed to deposit FeAl/TiC composite coatings. Fe-35Al powder and Fe-35Al/TiC composite powders containing 35 and 45 vol.% TiC prepared by mechanical alloying were used as feedstock powders. The microstructures of the ball-milled powders and the as-sprayed coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. The mean coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of FeAl and FeAl/TiC were measured. The results showed that dense FeAl and FeAl/TiC coatings with low oxide inclusions were deposited by shrouded plasma spraying. The mean CTEs measured in the present study were reasonably consistent with those calculated based on the formula. As a result, the mean CTE of FeAl-based composite coating can be properly controlled by adjusting TiC content in the composite coating to match with those of different substrate materials.