Influence of FeCrAl Content on Microstructure and Bonding Strength of Plasma-Sprayed FeCrAl/Al₂O₃ Coatings

Low-power plasma-sprayed FeCrAl/Al₂O₃ composite coatings with 1.5 mm thickness have been fabricated for radar absorption applications. The effects of FeCrAl content on the coating properties were studied. The FeCrAl presents in the form of a few thin lamellae and numerous particles, demonstrating relatively even distribution in all the coatings. Results show that the micro-hardness and porosity decrease with the increase in FeCrAl content. With FeCrAl content increasing from 28 to 47 wt.%, the bonding strength of the coatings with 1.5 mm thickness increases from 10.5 to 27 MPa, and the failure modes are composed of cohesive and adhesive failure, which are ascribed to the coating microstructure and the residual stress, respectively.