EFFECT OF La2O3 ADDITION ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND WEAR BEHAVIOR OF ELECTROSPARK DEPOSITED Ni-BASED COATINGS

La2O3 doped Ni-based coatings have been prepared by electrospark deposition technique. The effect of La2O3 on the microstructure, hardness and wear behavior of the as-prepared Ni-based coatings is investigated by using X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, wear tribometer and Vickers hardness tester. Results indicates that the microstructure, hardness and wear resistance of La2O3 doped Ni-based coatings are effectively improved as compared to the undoped one, and the coating with the addition of 2.5 wt.% La2O3 shows the optimal improvement effects. The addition of La2O3 can reduce the defects, refine grains and increase hardness of the coating, which can inhibit the nucleation and propagation of cracking, consequently resist cutting and fracture during the wear process. Moreover, the addition of La2O3 leads to changes in abrasion mechanism of the coatings, and the reasons resulting in different abrasion mechanisms are discussed.