Experimental Investigation and Wear Characterization of Detonation-Sprayed TiMo (CN) and NiCrAlY+CeO₂ Coatings on EN45 Steel for Automotive Applications

This study presents a comprehensive examination of surface coating strategies to improve the wearresistance of EN45 steel using detonation gun (D-Gun) sprayed TiMo (CN) and NiCrAlY+0.4 wt% CeO₂ coatings.EN45 is commonly deployed in automotive suspension and axle systems but suffers from poor surface durabilityunder frictional stress. Through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and EnergyDispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX), the coatings were characterized for phase composition, morphology, andstructural integrity. Pin-on-disc tests were performed under dry sliding conditions with varying loads to assesswear rate and frictional behavior. The results affirm that both coatings significantly enhance performance, withNiCrAlY+CeO₂ exhibiting superior wear resistance. These findings position detonation-sprayed coatings asviable upgrades for extending the service life of EN45-based automotive components.