Usage of olivine in plasma spray coating and investigation of olivine coating properties

Metallic materials are subjected to different and various environments such as thermal, mechanic and chemical effects. Coating methods have been developed, such as plasma spray coating, for those materials working in harsh environments to extend their life span.Present study is aimed at investigation of coating performance of olivine powders that would be working against wear and abrasion and their microstructure and properties after coating. In order to improve working performances of 316L stainless steel, which is one of the widely used steel in industry, olivine was coated on steel surface.Plasma coating technique and its properties were mentioned and olivine mineral was also introduced. In the experimental methodology part, details of olivine powders used and their properties were given. Information about plasma coating unit and characterization techniques involved in experiments were also mentioned.In experimental studies, olivine powders were coated on metallographically prepared 316L stainless steel with and without bond coating. Coated samples were characterised for both groups using optical microscopy, XRD analysis, hardness, surface roughness, wear test, sand blasting tests.Bond coated samples were more successful for wear and abrasion resistance when compared with the non-bond coated samples. Coated samples XRD analysis revealed that glassy phases were formed by partial transformation of olivine from crystalline to amorphous phase during plasma coating process.Consequently, it was found that olivine powders could be used as plasma coating powder.Key Words: Olivine, plasma spray, coating, wear