On the impact of stack patterns on the microstructure and wear performance of Colmonoy 6 coatings deposited on SS 304 via PTAW

This study examines how stack patterns affect the microstructure and wear characteristics of Colmonoy 6 coatings that are formed using plasma transfer arc welding (PTAW) on SS 304 substrates. The coatings were tested for hardness, wear resistance, and microstructural properties, with a special emphasis on the effect of different phases such as Cr7C3, CrB, and Ni3B. The results show that stack-patterned coatings had much higher hardness and lower wear loss (0.00455 g) than non-stack-patterned samples (0.00825). This enhancement is due to better metallurgical bonding and grain interlocking within the coating structure. The findings highlight the practical value of using stack patterns in industrial applications, which may lead to increased durability and lower maintenance costs for crucial components in high-stress situations. This study sets the stage for future investigations focused at optimising coating designs to improve performance.