Formation of metal composites by detonation spray of powder mixtures

The feasibility study of elaboration of metal composite coatings by detonation spray using the blends of iron, nickel, copper, cobalt, and aluminum powders was performed using different spray modes. The numerical simulation of particle parameters showed that the particles formed the coating in solid, semi-molten, or molten state depending on the spraying modes, particle material, and particle size. It was shown that successful formation of the coating containing all powder mixture components could be achieved in case of proper optimization of spraying parameters. Obtained Fe-Co-Ni, Fe-Co-Ni-Cu, and Fe-Co-Ni-Cu-Al coatings had the uniform lamellae structure. However, the composition of the coatings differed from the initial powder mixture composition due to different deposition efficiencies of the powders. It was also found the mutual influence of blend components on bonding. In particular, the deposition efficiency of iron particles was probably affected by copper.