Effect of WC particle shape factor on residual stresses generation at the surfaces level of Ni-WC coatings deposited by the PTAW process

This paper presents a comparative study on the residual stress formation in a Nickel-based matrix by the reinforcement of two types of WC particles having two different shape factors (angular and spherical) and density. Three types of coatings were prepared: pure Nickel-based super alloy (Spherical), Nickel-based super alloy with 30 % spherical WC particles, and Nickel-based super alloy with Angular WC particles. The prepared coatings (Ni, Ni-WCS & Ni-WCA) are characterised using the X-Ray Diffraction technique for the subsequent evaluation of residual stress. Namely three techniques Sin2ψ method, William Hall method and the Direct instrumentation method based on XRD were incorporated to determine and compare the residual stresses formed in the coatings. The results exhibited that the Ni and WC shape and form factor had a significant influence on the coating residual stress.