CERAMIC COATING (TIO 2 -ZRO 2 ) ON ALUMINIUM 6061T6 FOR ANTI WEAR PROPERTIES

In this investigation, a ceramic coating of Titania (TiO2) Zirconia (ZrO2) and Titania-Zirconia (TiO2+40%ZrO2) with different coating thicknesses of 100μm, 150μm and 200μm are deposited on Al-6061T6 substrate using Atmospheric Plasma spraying technique. NiCrAl is used as a bond coat material to promote coating adhesion. Dry wear test was performed for a constant load of 10N, different sliding distance of 1000m, 2000m, and 3000m by using a Pin-on-Disc. The coating samples were subjected to abrasive wear test as per ASTMG99. From the results it was found that wear rate and coefficient of friction depend on various parameters such as microstructure, coating thickness, porosity, surface roughness and hardness. The mechanism of wear was also found that due to abrasion and once the bond coat is exposed to the disc, it loses material by adhesion. The results obtained from the above work showed that, the Zirconia coated specimens is having excellent wear resistance property when compared to Titania and Titania-Zirconia coating materials. The SEM of the worn surfaces of coated specimen shows better results than that of the Al-6061T6.