THERMAL SPRAY IRON-BASED ALLOYS FOR COATING ENGINE CYLINDER

BORES

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims from the benefit of U.S. App. No. 62/825,221, filed March 28, 2019, and entitled“THERMAL SPRAY IRON-BASED ALLOYS FOR COATING ENGINE CYLINDER BORES”, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field

[0002] Embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to iron-based thermal spray feedstocks.

SUMMARY

[0003] Disclosed herein are embodiments of a thermal spray feedstock material comprising Fe and, in vvt. %, B: about 0.2 to about 2.5, C: about 0.15 to about 2.0, and Si: about 0.0 to about 7.0, wherein the thermal spray feedstock material comprises a powder having >7 wt% and <80 wt% of particles being larger than about 44 microns and smaller than about 90 microns.

[0004] Disclosed herein are embodiments of a thermal spray feedstock material comprising Fe and, in vvt. %, Al: about 1.5 to about 4.5; and C: about 0.2 to about 1.6 wherein the thermal spray feedstock material comprises a powder

[0005] In some embodiments, the thermal spray feedstock material can further comprise about 0.0 to about 0.5 wt. % Cr. In some embodiments, the thermal spray feedstock material can further comprise about 0.0 to about 0.1 wt. % Cr. In some embodiments, the thermal spray feedstock material can further comprise about 0.0 to about 0.5 wt. % Cr and about 0.0 to about 0.5 wt. % Mn. In some embodiments the thermal spray feedstock material can further comprise about 0.0 to about 4.0 wt. % Mn. [0006] In some embodiments, the thermal spray feedstock material can be selected from the group consisting of, in wt. %: B: about 0.6, C: about 0.3, Cn about 0, Mn: about 0, Si: about 1.0, Fe: bal, B: about 1.5, C: about 0.2, Cr: about 0, Mn: about 0, Si: about 1.0, Fe: bal, B: about 0.3, C: about 1.4, Cr: about 0, Mn: about 0, Si: about 5.0, Fe: bal, B: about 0.6, C: about 1.8, Cr: about 0, Mn: about 0, Si: about 5.0, Fe: bal, and B: about 2.2, C: about 1.1, Cr: about 0, Mn: about 0, Si: about 6.0, Fe: bal.

[0007] In some embodiments, the thermal spray feedstock material is configured to form a matrix and is characterized by having, under thermodynamic equilibrium conditions, a solidus temperature less than or equal to about 1550K, a liquidus temperature less than or equal to about 1750K, between about 5 and about 35 mol% of total hard particles at 1300K, and greater than or equal to about 15 mol% of a mole fraction of liquid 25K above the solidus temperature, wherein a difference between the liquidus temperature and the solidus temperature is between about 30 and about 150K. In some embodiments, the thermal spray feedstock material can be configured to form a matrix and is characterized by having, under thermodynamic equilibrium conditions, a solidus temperature less than or equal to about 1500K, a liquidus temperature less than or equal to about 1700K, and between about 5 and about 35 mol% of total hard particles at 1300K, wherein a difference between the liquidus temperature and the solidus temperature is between about 350 and about 150K.

[0008] In some embodiments, the thermal spray feedstock material can be manufactured by water atomization or gas atomization.

[0009] Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a coating formed from the thermal spray feedstock material as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the coating can comprise a bulk coating hardness of between about 290 HV0.3 and about 600 HV0.3, and an individual particle hardness of between 550 HV0.1 and about 950 HV0.1. In some embodiments, the coating can be deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying. In some embodiments, the coating can be deposited on an internal surface of a cylinder bore of an internal combustion engine. In some embodiments, the coating can comprise between about 5 and about 35 vol.% total hard phases, between about 5 and about 35 vol.% of a total spinel phase, and between about 5 and about 35 vol.% of a total aluminum rich oxide phase. [0010] Also disclosed herein are embodiments of an iron based, atomized powder comprising, under equilibrium solidification conditions, greater than or equal to 15.0 mol% of liquid 25K above the solidus temperature.

[0011] In some embodiments, the powder can have a liquidus temperature, under equilibrium solidification conditions, less than or equal to 1700K. In some embodiments, the powder can have a solidus temperature, under equilibrium solidification conditions, less than or equal to 1500K. In some embodiments, wherein, under equilibrium solidification conditions, the difference between solidus and liquidus temperatures is between 350K and 120K. In some embodiments, wherein, under equilibrium solidification conditions, the mole fraction of all hard phases is between 5 and 35 mol%.

[0012] In some embodiments, the powder can comprise greater than or equal to 7 wt% of the powder larger than 44 microns in diameter. In some embodiments, the powder can have a chemistry comprising: B 0.2 to 2.5 wt%, C: 0.15 to 2.0 wt%, Si: 0.0 to 7.0 wt%, and Fe: balance. In some embodiments, the powder can comprise between 0 to 4 wt% Mn. In some embodiments, the powder comprises less than or equal to 0.5 wt% Cr. In some embodiments, the powder can be deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying.

[0013] In some embodiments, the powder can be deposited on an internal surface of a cylinder bore of an internal combustion engine for the purpose of reducing friction during operation. In some embodiments, the powder can be manufactured by water or gas atomization. In some embodiments, the powder can comprise a particle hardness after deposition of between 550 HV0.1 and 950 HV0.1.

[0014] Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method of applying a coating comprising depositing a coating on an interal surface of a cylinder bore used in an internal combustion engine for the purpose of reducing friction during operation, wherein a powder material used to form the coating, under equilibrium solidification conditions, comprises greater than or equal to 15.0 mol% of liquid 25K above the solidus temperature.

[0015] In some embodiments, the depositing can comprise plasma spraying. In some embodiments, the powder material can comprise greater than or equal to 7 wt% and less than or equal to 80 wt% particles being larger than 44 microns in diameter. In some embodiments, the powder material can have a liquidus temperature, under equilibrium solidification conditions, of less than or equal to 1700K.

[0016] Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a thermal spray feedstock material comprising Fe and, in wt. %, Al: about 1.5 to about 4.5, and C: about 0.2 to about 1.6, wherein the thermal feedstock material comprises a powder that, under equilibrium conditions with 4wt% oxygen added, forms a matrix having an aluminum rich phase comprising of between about 7.5 and about 30 mol%. In some embodiments, the material can include other elements and inevitable impurities at less than 1 wt.%. In some embodiments the aluminum comprising oxide where the aluminum comprising oxide at 1300K is defined as the sum of Spinel, Corundum, and Mullite phases. Some embodiments the aluminum rich oxide comprises iron, aluminum, and oxygen.

[0017] In some embodiments, the following elements are present at a maximum of 0.5 wt.%: B, N, Ca, Ti, V, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Pd, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, La, Hf, Ta, W, Pt, Au. In some embodiments, the material includes Fe, Al, C, Si, and Mn and all other elements have a maximum of 0.5 wt.%. In some embodiments, the material includes Fe, Al, C, Si, and Mn and all other elements have a maximum of 0.1 wt.%. In some embodiments, a total of all inevitable impurities is less than about 1 wt. %.

[0018] Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a coating on an internal bore of an engine formed from the material disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the coating can have a HV0.3 hardness in excess of 450.

[0019] Further disclosed herein are embodiments of a method of applying a coating as disclosed herein.

[0020] Further disclosed herein are embodiments of a thermal spray feedstock as disclosed herein.

[0021] Further disclosed herein are embodiments of a coating as disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 shows an equilibrium solidification plot of an alloy that does not meet one or more criteria of the following disclosure, described as Standard 1 in Table 1, with a chemistry of carbon 1.2 wt%, manganese 1.4 wt%, chromium 1.4 wt%, and a balance of iron.

[0023] Figure 2 shows an equilibrium solidification plot of an alloy that meets embodiments of this disclosure, described as P111-X3 in Table 1, with a chemistry of boron 1.5 wt%, carbon 0.2 wt%, silicon 1.0 wt%, and a balance of iron.

[0024] Figure 3 shows an equilibrium solidification plot of an alloy that meets embodiments of this disclosure, described as P111-X7 in Table 1, with a chemistry of aluminum 3.4 wt%, carbon 1.1 wt%, and a balance of iron to which 4 wt% oxygen has been added.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Disclosed herein are embodiments of iron-based alloys. In some embodiments, alloys disclosed herein can have a low melting point with a high fraction of liquid. In some embodiments, alloys disclosed herein can incorporate aluminum and have advantageous oxidation thermodynamics. Both types of alloys can include one or more of the disclosed criteria. They can be used for feedstock for plasma spray processes, internal diameter specific plasma spray processes, and thermal spray materials. In some embodiments, they can be applied as coatings for internal combustion engine cylinder bores, though the particular use is not limiting.

[0026] Alloys that do not utilize chromium can be advantageous from an environmental and worker health perspective. Chromium bearing iron-based alloys may form hexavalent chromium (Cr 6 ⁺ ) fumes and effluent during manufacture, processing, and deposition. Reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr 6 ⁺ ) is being driven by concerns about carcinogenic effects at relatively low doses. As a result, there is increased regulatory pressure from developed and developing countries to dramatically reduce the actual and potential environmental and worker exposure to Cr 6*. In one aspect of this disclosure, alloys that have low or no chromium are described.

[0027] In certain applications of the disclosure, it can be advantageous to use an iron-based powder feedstock that has a >7 wt% and <80 wt% of particles being larger than 44 microns or 325 meshform (or larger than about 44 microns or about 325 mesh form). The particles can be used to form a coating, for example using thermal spray. There are cost advantages to having a particle size distribution (PSD) that incorporates larger particles. In typical thermal spray powder, most powder greater than 44 microns is not incorporated into the final product but is sold or reprocessed as scrap. By incorporating powder larger than 44 microns into the final product, less material is scrap, decreasing product cost and reducing scrap percentage. An additional advantage is reduced remelt percentage which can lead to increased yield, improved worker safety, increases equipment life, decreases maintenance, reduced stocking quantities, and reduced fire hazard. For example, remelted powder can cause a combustion risk if it is at too high of a percentage of the melt.

[0028] In some embodiments, an iron-based powder feedstock can have a >7 wt% and <80 wt% of particles with a minimum particle size of 53 microns (or about 53 microns). In some embodiments, an iron-based powder feedstock can have a >7 wt% and <80 wt% of particles with a minimum particle size of 63 microns (or about 63 microns). In some embodiments, an iron-based powder feedstock can have a >7 wt% and <80 wt% of particles with a minimum particle size of 75 microns (or about 75 microns).

[0029] In some embodiments, an iron-based powder feedstock can have a >7 wt% and <80 wt% of particles with a maximum particle size of 90 microns (or about 90 microns). In some embodiments, an iron-based powder feedstock can have a >7 wt% and <80 wt% of particles with a maximum particle size of 75 microns (or about 75 microns). In some embodiments, an iron-based powder feedstock can have a >7 wt% and <80 wt% of particles with a maximum particle size of 63 microns (or about 63 microns). In some embodiments, an iron-based powder feedstock can have a >7 wt% and <80 wt% of particles with a maximum particle size of 53 microns (or about 53 microns).

[0030] A major obstacle in commercializing coarser powders comprising >7 wt% and <80 wt% of particles larger than, for example, 44 microns for plasma spraying is the reduction in deposition efficiency and coating quality due to increased unmelted particles formed during spraying compared to standard plasma spray deposition (PSD) powders. These thermodynamic characteristics include melting characteristics such as solidus, liquidus, and fraction of liquid and solid at relative temperatures. Alloys described by this disclosure have improved fluidity at low temperatures predicting the ability of a given alloy to have good deposit characteristics. Essentially, by maintaining both a low solidus temperature and high fraction of liquid just above the solidus, the material can be more fluid at low temperatures compared to alloys not designed with this attribute.

[0031] In wear applications, wear resistance and hardness are generally directly correlated. That is, harder materials typically exhibit improved abrasion and sliding wear resistance compared to softer materials. High hardness materials also may hone more readily and resist plastic deformation during honing improving surface quality compared to lower hardness materials. In one aspect of this disclosure, alloy powders and plasma sprayed coatings are described that have improved hardness compared to carbon steel compositions. Alloy powders and coatings described in this disclosure have hardnesses between 600 and 1000 (or between about 600 and about 1000) HV0.1 compared to a reference standard steel with a hardness of -500 HV0.1.

[0032] In some embodiments, iron-based alloys as described herein may serve as effective feedstock for the plasma transferred arc (PTA), laser cladding hardfacing processes including high speed laser cladding, and thermal spray processing including high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) thermal spray, though the disclosure is not so limited. Some embodiments include the manufacture of alloys into cored wires for hardfacing processes, and the welding methods of wires and powders using wire fed laser and short-wave lasers.

[0033] In some embodiments iron-based alloys of this disclosure can be used for atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). In some embodiments the alloys are feedstock for APS processes configured to coat the internal diameter of a cylinder.

[0034] The term alloy can refer to the chemical composition of a powder used to form a metal component, the powder itself, the chemical composition of a melt used to form a casting component, the melt itself, and the composition of the metal component formed by the heating, sintering, and/or deposition of the powder, including the composition of the metal component after cooling. In some embodiments, the term alloy can refer to the chemical composition forming the powder disclosed within, the powder itself, the feedstock itself, the wire, the wire including a powder, the combined composition of a combination of wires, the composition of the metal component formed by the heating and/or deposition of the powder, or other methodology, and the metal component. [0035] In some embodiments, alloys manufactured into a solid or cored wire (a sheath containing a powder) for welding or for use as a feedstock for another process may be described by specific chemistries herein. For example, the wires can be used for a thermal spray. Further, the compositions disclosed below can be from a single wire or a combination of multiple wires (such as 2, 3, 4, or 5 wires).

[0036] In some embodiments, the alloys can be applied by a thermal spray process to form a thermal spray coating, such as HVOF alloys. In some embodiments, the alloys can be applied as a weld overlay. In some embodiments, the alloys can be applied either as a thermal spray or as a weld overlay, e.g., having dual use.

[0037] In some embodiments, the alloy may be manufactured into a powder. Powder may be manufactured by water atomization, gas atomization, spray drying, spray drying followed by sintering, and/or direct reduction of oxides. In some embodiments, the alloys described herein may be used to for a coating via thermal spraying. In some embodiments, the alloys described herein may be used for a coating via plasma spraying. In some embodiments, the alloys described herein may be used to form a coating via atmospheric plasma spraying. In some embodiments, the alloys described herein may be used to form a coating via atmospheric plasma spraying on to an internal diameter of a particular product. Specific applications may include, but would not be limited to, cylinder bores, cylinder sleeves, pump sleeves, pump housings. In some embodiments, the alloys described herein may be used to form a coating via atmospheric plasma spraying on to an internal diameter on a cylinder bore for internal combustion engines.

Metal Alloy Composition

[0038] In some embodiments, the alloy can be described by a compositional range which encompasses a set of alloys which can meet the thermodynamic criteria presented in this disclosure. All alloys described in the embodiment of this invention are free of or bear low percentages of Cr. In some embodiments, alloys described in this disclosure may have no or low weight percentages of Mn. Both element ranges are discussed below.

[0039] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges: Carbon: 1.1 (or about 1.1);

Aluminum: 3.4 (or about 3.4);

Iron: balance;

Other elements and inevitable impurities: < 1 (or about 1) each.

[0040] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Carbon: 1.1 (or about 1.1);

Aluminum: 3.4 (or about 3.4);

Iron: balance;

Other elements and inevitable impurities: < 0.5 (or about 0.5) each.

[0041] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Carbon: 1.0 (or about 1.0);

Aluminum: 3.4 (or about 3.4);

Iron: balance;

Other elements and inevitable impurities: < 1 (or about 1) each.

[0042] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Carbon: 1.0 (or about 1.0);

Aluminum: 3.4 (or about 3.4);

Iron: balance;

Other elements and inevitable impurities: < 0.5 (or about 0.5) each.

[0043] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Carbon: 0.9 (or about 0.9);

Aluminum: 3.4 (or about 3.4);

Iron: balance;

Other elements and inevitable impurities: < 1 (or about 1) each.

[0044] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges: Carbon: 0.9 (or about 0.9);

Aluminum: 3.4 (or about 3.4);

Iron: balance;

Other elements and inevitable impurities: < 0.5 (or about 0.5) each.

[0045] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Carbon: 0.9 to 1.4 (or about 0.9 to about 1.4);

Aluminum: 3 to 3.8 (or about 3 to about 3.8);

Iron: balance;

Other elements and inevitable impurities: < 1 (or about 1) each.

[0046] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Carbon: 0.9 - 1.4 (or about 0.9 to about 1.4);

Aluminum: 3 to 3.8 (or about 3 to about 3.8);

Iron: balance;

Other elements and inevitable impurities: < 0.5 (or about 0.5) each.

[0047] As discussed above, other elements an inevitable impurities can be each limited to a certain maximum. In some embodiments, impurities as a whole can have a maximum of the listed 1.0 or 0.5 wt. %, with the other elements each limited to the 1.0 or 0.5 wt.% maximum. In some embodiments, all other elements are collectively under 1.0 or 0.5 wt. %.

[0048] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Boron: 0.2 to 2.5 (or about 0.2 to about 2.5);

Carbon: 0.15 to 2.0 (or about 0.15 to about 2.0);

Silicon: 0.0 to 7.0 (or about 0.0 to about 7.0); and

Iron: balance.

[0049] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Boron: 0.2 to 2.5 (or about 0.2 to about 2.5); Carbon: 0.15 to 2.0 (or about 0.15 to about 2.0);

Silicon: 0.0 to 7.0 (or about 0.0 to about 7.0);

Chromium: 0.0 to 0.5 (or about 0.0 to about 0.5);

Iron: balance.

[0050] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Boron: 0.2 to 2.5 (or about 0.2 to about 2.5);

Carbon: 0.15 to 2.0 (or about 0.15 to about 2.0);

Silicon: 0.0 to 7.0 (or about 0.0 to about 7.0);

Chromium: 0.0 to 0.1 (or about 0.0 to about 0.1); and

Iron: balance.

[0051] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Boron: 0.2 to 2.5 (or about 0.2 to about 2.5);

Carbon: 0.15 to 2.0 (or about 0.15 to about 2.0);

Silicon: 0.0 to 7.0 (or about 0.15 to about 2.0);

Chromium: 0.0 to 0.5 (or about 0.0 to about 0.5);

Manganese: 0.0 to 0.5 (or about 0.0 to about 0.5); and

Iron: balance.

[0052] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Carbon: 0.15 to 2.0 (or about 0.15 to about 2.0);

Aluminum: 2.0 to 7.0 (or about 2.0 to about 7.0);

Silicon: 0.0 to 1.5 (or about 0.0 to about 1.5);

Manganese: 0.0 to 2.0 (or about 0.0 to about 2.0); and

Iron: balance.

[0053] In some embodiments, any of the disclosed compositions can include chromium and/or manganese in any of the following ranges, in wt. %:

0.0 to 1.0 (or about 0.0 to about 1.0);

0.0 to 0.5 (or about 0.0 to about 0.5); 0.0 to 0.25 (or about 0.0 to about 0.25);

0.0 to 0.1 (or about 0.0 to about 0.1); or

0.0 to 0.05 (or about 0.0 to about 0.05).

[0054] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Aluminum: 1.5 to 4.5 (or about 1.5 to about 4.5);

Carbon: 0.2 to 1.6 (or about 0.2 to about 1.6); and

Iron: Balance

[0055] In some embodiments, the composition can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Aluminum: 1.5 to 4.5 (or about 1.5 to about 4.5);

Carbon: 0.2 to 1.6 (or about 0.2 to about 1.6);

Silicon + Boron: 0.5 to 4.0 (or about 0.5 to about 4.0); and

Iron: Balance

[0056] In some embodiments, the compositions can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Aluminum: 2.7 to 4.1 (or about 2.7 to about 4.1);

Carbon: 0.8 to 1.4 (or about 0.8 to about 1.4).

[0057] In some embodiments, the compositions can have, in weight percent, the following elemental ranges:

Aluminum: 3 to 3.8 (or about 3 to about 3.8);

Carbon: 0.9 to 1.2 (or about 0.9 to about 1.2).

[0058] Embodiments of the above-described compositions can be particularly advantageous for applying to the internal bore of a combustion engine with plasma spray. In some embodiments, the above-described alloys may only include aluminum, carbon, iron, and inevitable impurities.

[0059] In some embodiments it can be advantageous to avoid additional alloying elements, in addition to avoiding Cr, for the purposes of maintaining a low-cost material. In some embodiments, no other elements but carbon or aluminum are present in the material in excess of 5 wt.% (or about 5 wt.%). In some embodiments, no other elements are present in the material in excess of 1 wt.% (or about 1 wt.%). In some embodiments, no other elements are present in the material in excess of 0.5 wt.% (or about 0.5 wt.%). In some embodiments, the following elements, which are alloyed in steels, are found only as impurities and thus have a measurable weight percent below 0.5 wt.%: B, N, Ca, Ti, V, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr,

Nb, Mo, Pd, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, La, Hf, Ta, W, Pt, Au.

[0060] In some embodiments, impurities can be less than or equal to 0.25 (or about 0.25) wt%.

[0061] In some embodiments, the composition can include a minimum of 0.4 (or about 0.4) wt. % silicon. In some embodiments, the composition can include a maximum of 2 (or about 2) wt. % silicon. In some embodiments, the composition may not include silicon.

Table 1: List of Nominal and Measured Experimental Alloy Compositions that Meet the Embodiments of this Disclosure (X2 -X7) and alloys outside the scope of this disclosure

(Standard 1 and Standard 2), Balance Iron + Minor Impurities

[0062] In Table L all values can be“about” the recited value as well. For example, for P111-X2 Boron 0.6 (or about 0.6). This applies to all tables throughout the disclosure.

[0063] In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions can be the wire/powder, the coating or other metallic component, or both.

[0064] The disclosed alloys can incorporate the above elemental constituents to a total of 100 wt. %. In some embodiments, the alloy may include, may be limited to, or may consist essentially of the above-named elements. In some embodiments, the alloy may include 2 wt.% (or about 2 wt.%) or less, 1 wt.% (or about 1 wt.%) or less, 0.5 wt.% (or about 0.5 wt.%) or less, 0.1 wt.% (or about 0.1 wt.%) or less or 0.01 wt.% (or about 0.01 wt.%) or less of impurities, or any range between any of these values. Impurities may be understood as elements or compositions that may be included in the alloys due to inclusion in the feedstock components, through introduction in the manufacturing process.

[0065] Further, the Fe content identified in all of the compositions described in the above paragraphs may be the balance of the composition, or alternatively, where Fe is provided as the balance, the balance of the composition may comprise Fe and other elements. In some embodiments, the balance may consist essentially of Fe and may include incidental impurities.

Thermodynamic Criteria

[0066] Embodiments of alloys of the disclosure can be fully described by certain equilibrium thermodynamic criteria. The alloys can meet some, or all, of the described thermodynamic criteria.

[0067] The first equilibrium thermodynamic criterion predicts the fluidity of an alloy when partially solid and partially liquid during solidification, that is while at a temperature between the liquidus and solidus. This criterion is the modeled fraction of liquid at 25 K above the modeled equilibrium solidus temperature. Higher mole fractions of liquid at this temperature may correlate to high deposition efficiency of plasma sprayed alloys. This can be true with a fraction of powder above 44 micron.

[0068] The first equilibrium thermodynamic criterion is the mole fraction of liquid at 25K (or at about 25K) [101] [201] above the solidus temperature [102] [202]. This criterion shall be known as mole fraction of liquid 25K above solidus. As shown in Figure 1, for the alloy outside of this disclosure, Standard 1, this percentage is 9.3 mol% [101]. As shown in figure 2, for the alloy PI 11-X3 this percentage is 46.0 mol% [201].

[0069] In some embodiments, the mole fraction of liquid 25K above solidus shall be greater than or equal to 15 mol% (or about 15 mol%). In some embodiments, the mole fraction of liquid 25K above solidus shall be greater than or equal to 20 mol% (or about 20 mol%). In some embodiments, the mole fraction of liquid 25K above solidus shall be greater than or equal to 25 mol% (or about 25 mole%). In some embodiments, the mole fraction of liquid 25 K above solidus shall be greater than or equal to 30 mol% (or about 30 mol%). In some embodiments, the mole fraction of liquid 25K above solidus shall be greater than or equal to 35 mol% (or about 35 mol%). In some embodiments, the mole fraction of liquid 25K above solidus shall be greater than or equal to 40 mol% (or about 40 mol%). In some embodiments, the mole fraction of liquid 25K above solidus shall be greater than or equal to

45 mol% (or about 45 mol%).

[0070] The second equilibrium thermodynamic criterion relates to the solidification characteristics of an alloy during thermal spraying. This criterion, the solidus temperature, when minimized can predict an increased fluidity of an alloy which allows large particles to comprise a fraction of liquid at a lower temperature than high solidus temperature alloys.

[0071] The second equilibrium thermodynamic criterion is the solidus temperature defined as the highest temperature where no liquid is present during equilibrium solidification. As shown in Figures 1-2, in alloy Standard 1 and alloy P111-X3 this is calculated as 1580K and 1440K respectively [102] and [202].

[0072] In some embodiments, the solidus temperature is less than or equal to 1550K (or about 1550K). In some embodiments, the solidus temperature is less than or equal to 1500K (or about 1500K). In some embodiments, the solidus temperature is less than or equal to 1475K (or about 1475K). In some embodiments, the solidus temperature is less than or equal to 1450K (or about 1450K).

[0073] The third equilibrium thermodynamic criterion relates to the solidification characteristics of an alloy during thermal spraying. The third criterion is the liquidus temperature of an alloy which can predict the temperature above which an alloy will be completely liquid. In this disclosure, alloys with lower solidus temperatures can achieve a fully molten state with lower energy input and at a lower liquidus temperature. This can enable high deposition efficiency of coarse powders during thermal spraying at a given plasma temperature due to increased fraction of completely molten powders.

[0074] The third equilibrium thermodynamic criterion is the liquidus temperature defined as the highest temperature where an alloy is fully liquid during equilibrium solidification conditions. As shown in Figures 1-2, for the alloy Standard 1, the liquidus temperature is 1715 K [103]. In alloy P111-X3, the liquidus temperature is 1665 K [203].

[0075] In some embodiments, the liquidus temperature is less than or equal to 1750K (or about 1750K). In some embodiments, the liquidus temperature is less than or equal to 1725K (or about 1725K). In some embodiments, the liquidus temperature is less than or equal to 1700K (or about 1700K). In some embodiments, the liquidus temperature is less than or equal to 1675K (or about 1675K). In some embodiments, the liquidus temperature is less than or equal to 1650K (or about 1650K). In some embodiments, the liquidus temperature is less than or equal to 1625K (or about 1625K). In some embodiments, the liquidus temperature is less than or equal to 1600K (or about 1600K).

[0076] The fourth equilibrium thermodynamic criterion relates to the solidification range, defined as the liquidus temperature minus the solidus temperature in kelvin. This criterion will be known as the mushy zone. A wide mushy zone may contribute to a partially molten/partially solid particle during deposition which may lead to a novel splat morphology and/or better deposition characteristics than a fully solid or fully molten particle.

[0077] As shown in Figures 1-2, in the alloy Standard 1 the mushy zone is 135K

[103] - [102]. In the alloy P111-X3, the mushy zone is 225K [203] - [202].

[0078] In some embodiments, the mushy zone is between 30 and 150 K (or between about 30 and about 150K). In some embodiments, the mushy zone is between 120 and 350 K (or between about 120 and about 350K). In some embodiments, the mushy zone is between 150 and 350 K (or between about 150 and about 350K).

[0079] The fifth equilibrium thermodynamic criterion relates to the total hard phase fraction of the alloy under equilibrium solidification conditions. This criterion correlates to particle hardness as manufactured, after atomization, and/or after deposition via thermal spray even if the phases do not form or do not equal the equilibrium mole percentages due to non-equilibrium solidification conditions

[0080] The fifth equilibrium thermodynamic criterion is the sum of the mole fractions of all borides, carbides, and silicides at 1300K (or about 1300K). This is known as total hard phases at 1300K. In the alloy Standard 1, the total hard phases at 1300K is 0 mol% as there are no hardphases present. In the alloy of PI 11-X3, tire total hard phases at 1300K is

21.5 mol% as the MaB phase, a boride, is the only hard phase present at 1300K [204].

[0081] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total hard phases at 1300K (or about 1300K) is between 5 and 35 mol% (or between about 5 and about 35 mol%). In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total hard phases at 1300K (or about 1300K) is between

7.5 and 30 mol% (or between about 7.5 and about 30 mol%). In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total hard phases at 1300K (or about 1300K) is between 7.5 and 25 mol% (or between about 7.5 and about 25 mol%). In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total hard phases at 1300K (or about 1300K) is between 9 and 25 mol% (or between about 9 and about 25 mol%).

Table 2: List of Modeled and Measured (empirical) Thermodynamic Criterion for Alloys that

Meet the Embodiments of this Disclosure

Table 3: List of Modeled and Measured (empirical) Thermodynamic Criterion for Alloys that do not Meet the Embodiments of this Disclosure

Table 4: List of Modeled Thermodynamic Criterion for Alloys that Meet the Embodiments of this Disclosure with 4 wt% Oxygen

[0082] The sixth equilibrium thermodynamic criterion relates to the equilibrium or near equilibrium FeAI ₂ O ₄ spinel phase content of an alloy when combined with 4 wt% (or about 4 wt%) oxygen, which can be brought into the alloy system via a thermal spraying process. This criterion can relate to the oxide hardness in a coating with increased spinel content correlated to an increase in oxide hardness compared to Wustite and Magnetite Fe oxide phases. In some applications, this may improve wear performance. In some embodiments, the alloy may have an aluminum rich oxide, including one or more of a spinel, corundum, and mullite.

[0083] The sixth equilibrium thermodynamic criterion is the sum of all Fe and A1 bearing spinel phase mole fractions including FeAl ₂ O ₄ present at 1000K under equilibrium conditions with the addition of 4 wt% (or about 4 wt%) oxygen. This criterion will be known as total spinel mole fraction. As shown in Figure 3, for the alloy P111-X7 with 4 wt% oxygen, the total spinel mole fraction is 20 mol% as the only spinel phase present at 1000K is FeA1204 [301].

[0084] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total spinel phase at 1000K (or about 1000K) is between 5 and 35 mol% (or between about 5 and about 35 mol%). In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total spinel phase at 1000K (or about 1000K) is between 7.5 and 30 mol% (or between about 7.5 and about 30 mol%). In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total spinel phase at 1000K (or about 1000K) is between 10 and 25 mol% (or between about 10 and about 25 mol%).

[0085] The seventh equilibrium thermodynamic criterion is the sum of all A1 rich oxide phase mole fractions including but not limited to spinel, corundum, and mullite present at 1300K under equilibrium conditions with the addition of 4 wt% (or about 4 wt%) oxygen, where aluminum rich is >10 wt% A1 in the oxide. This criterion will be known as total aluminum rich oxide mole fraction. The alloy P111-X7 with 4 wt% oxygen, the total aluminum rich oxide mole fraction is 14 mol%.

[0086] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total aluminum rich oxide phase at 1300K (or about 1300K) is between 5 and 35 mol% (or between about 5 and about 35 mol%). In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total aluminum rich oxide phase at 1300K (or about 1300K) is between 7.5 and 30 mol% (or between about 7.5 and about 30 mol%). In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total aluminum rich oxide phase at 1300K (or about 1300K) is between 10 and 25 mol% (or between about 10 and about 25 mol%).

[0087] In some embodiments, alloys may meet only the sixth and seventh thermodynamic criteria. For example, alloys having carbon, aluminum, iron, and less than 1% other elements may meet these criteria. In some embodiments, alloys may meet only the first through fifth thermodynamic criteria. For example, alloys having boron, carbon, and iron may meet these criteria. In some embodiments, alloys may meet all of the thermodynamic criteria. In some embodiments, alloys may meet one or more of the thermodynamic criteria.

Microstructural Criteria

[0088] Embodiments of alloys of the disclosure can be fully described by certain microstructural criteria. The alloys can meet some, or all, of the described microstructural criteria.

[0089] The first microstructural criteria is the bulk hardness of a plasma sprayed coating which correlates to the wear performance in abrasive and sliding wear applications. The bulk hardness is measured as the Vickers hardness using 300 gf load in the middle 80% of a coating in cross section.

[0090] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the bulk coating hardness after deposition can be between 290 HV0.3 and 600 HV0.3 (or between about 290 HV0.3 and about 600 HV0.3).

[0091] The second microstructural criterion is the individual particle hardness of a plasma sprayed coating. This criterion correlates to wear performance with higher particle hardness being correlated with better wear performance. [0092] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the individual particle hardness after deposition can be between 550 HV0.1 and 950 HV0.1 (or between about 550 HV0.1 and about 950 HV0.1).

Table 4: Hardness data for Standard alloys outside of this disclosure and X2-X7 alloys described in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0093] The third microstrctural criterion is the sum of the volume fractions of all borides, carbides, and silicides. This is known as total hard phases.

[0094] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total hard phases is between 5 and 35 vol% (or between about 5 and about 35 vol%). In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total hard phases is between 7.5 and 30 vol% (or between about 7.5 and about 30 vol%). In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total hard phases is between 7.5 and 25 vol% (or between about 7.5 and about 25 vol%). In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total hard phases is between 9 and 25 vol% (or between about 9 and about 25 vol%).

[0095] The fourth microstmctural criterion relates to the FeAl ₂ O ₄ spinel phase content of an alloy when combined with 4 wt% (or about 4 wt%) oxygen, which can be brought into the alloy system via a thermal spraying process. In some embodiments, the alloy may have an aluminum rich oxide, including one or more of a spinel, corundum, and mullite.

[0096] The fourth microstmctural criterion is the sum of all Fe and A1 bearing spinel phase mole fractions including FeAl ₂ O ₄ with the addition of 4 wt% (or about 4 wt%) oxygen. This criterion will be known as total spinel mole fraction.

[0097] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total spinel phase is between 5 and 35 vol% (or between about 5 and about 35 vol%). In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total spinel phase is between 7.5 and 30 vol% (or between about 7.5 and about 30 vol%). In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total spinel phase is between 10 and 25 vol% (or between about 10 and about 25 vol%).

[0098] The fifth microstructural criterion is the sum of all A1 rich oxide phase mole fractions including but not limited to spinel, corundum, and mullite with the addition of 4 wt% (or about 4 wt%) oxygen, where aluminum rich is >10 wt% A1 in the oxide. This criterion will be known as total aluminum rich oxide mole fraction.

[0099] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total aluminum rich oxide phase is between 5 and 35 vol% (or between about 5 and about 35 vol%). In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total aluminum rich oxide phase is between 7.5 and 30 vol% (or between about 7.5 and about 30 vol%). In some embodiments of this disclosure, the total aluminum rich oxide phase is between 10 and 25 vol% (or between about 10 and about 25 vol%).

[0100] In some embodiments, alloys may meet only the first, second, fourth, and fifth microstructural criteria. For example, alloys having carbon, aluminum, iron, and less than 1% other elements may meet these criteria. In some embodiments, alloys may meet only the third microstructural criteria. For example, alloys having boron, carbon, and iron may meet these criteria. In some embodiments, alloys may meet all of the microstructural criteria. In some embodiments, alloys may meet one or more of the microstructural criteria.

[0101] The disclosed composition listing provides a list of alloys that meet one or more criteria of this disclosure.

Applications

[0102] The alloys described in this disclosure can be used in a variety of applications and industries. Some non-limiting examples of applications of use include: vehicles, engines, cylinders.

[0103] From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that inventive iron- based alloys and methods of use are disclosed. While several components, techniques and aspects have been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes can be made in the specific designs, constructions and methodology herein above described without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. [0104] Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.

[0105] Moreover, while methods may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such methods need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and that all methods need not be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other methods that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional methods can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described methods. Further, the methods may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of this disclosure.

0106] Conditional language, such as“can, ‘could,”“might,” or“may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

[0107] Conjunctive language such as the phrase“at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z. [0108] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and“substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms“approximately”,“about”, “generally,” and“substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of, within less than or equal to 5% of, within less than or equal to 1% of, within less than or equal to 0.1 % of, and within less than or equal to 0.01% of the stated amount. If the stated amount is 0 (e.g., none, having no), the above recited ranges can be specific ranges, and not within a particular % of the value. For example, within less than or equal to 10 wtVvol. % of, within less than or equal to 5 wt./vol. % of, within less than or equal to 1 wtVvol. % of, within less than or equal to 0.1 wtVvol. % of, and within less than or equal to 0.01 wtVvol. % of the stated amount.

[0109] The disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognized that any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

[0110] While a number of embodiments and variations thereof have been described in detail, other modifications and methods of using the same will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, it should be understood that various applications, modifications, materials, and substitutions can be made of equivalents without departing from the unique and inventive disclosure herein or the scope of the claims.

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