Title: Critical process and performance parameters of thermal arc spray coating

Authors: Muhamad Hafiz Abd Malek; Nor Hayati Saad; Sunhaji Kiyai Abas; Noriyati Binti Md Shah

Addresses: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia ' Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia ' Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia ' Norimax Sdn Bhd, No. 2, Jln TPP 5/17, Taman Perindustrian Puchong, Seksyen 15, 47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract: Usage of thermal spray coating for corrosion protection was started since early 1900. Even though it was successful, the application was limited. In recent years, most industries especially oil and gas companies have selected the thermal spray wire arc coating as a corrosion protection for steel structure. Advancement in coating research causes major developments in coating processes, equipments, and raw materials for coating. It leads to further expansion in functional coatings and applications scope from conventional coating to specialised industries. The selection of the thermal arc spray coating is due to its ability to act as an effective corrosion protection, able to withstand high process temperature, and cost saving. Previous research revealed that thermal arc spray coating provides better coating characteristics compared to other method of sprays. This paper reviews some critical part of thermal arc spray coating by discussing the process parameter of thermal arc spray technology and quality control of coating. Comparison between coating material usage was reviewed to determine the best applied material coating in certain critical environment. Coating performance against corrosion, wear and special characteristic of coating are discussed. The field application of arc spray technology is presented.

Keywords: thermal spray coating; aluminium; zinc; thermal arc spray coating; wire arc; corrosion protection; steel structures; wear; process parameters; quality control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMATEI.2014.059489

International Journal of Materials Engineering Innovation, 2014 Vol.5 No.1, pp.12 - 27

Published online: 17 May 2014 *

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