Investigation of the Physico-Mechanical Properties of ZrCN Coatings Deposited on the Surface of 65G Steel by the HVOF Method

Authors

  • Nuraim Kalbay Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University
  • Bekbolat Seitov
  • Nurken Mussakhan
  • Sardor Kambarbekov
  • Shukur Abduzhapparov

Keywords:

ZrCN coatings, 65G steel, HVOF, microhardness, porosity, tribology

Abstract

This study investigates ZrCN-based coatings deposited on 65G steel by the high-velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) spraying method, with particular attention to the influence of spraying air pressure on coating formation. The study aimed to characterize the resulting microstructure and surface morphology and to assess changes in porosity and microhardness under different spraying conditions. Coatings were deposited using a Termika-3 HVOF system at air pressures of 2.6 and 2.8 bar. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to examine the coating structure and coating–substrate interface, while ImageJ 1.52t was used for quantitative porosity analysis. The coatings exhibited a heterogeneous morphology formed by melted and partially melted particles, with localized pores and surface depressions. The coating–substrate interface remained continuous, without pronounced cracks or delamination. The microstructural observations demonstrated that changes in spraying pressure affected the resulting coating characteristics. Quantitative analysis showed porosity values of 16.8% and 17.48% for the coatings produced at 2.6 and 2.8 bar, respectively. Microhardness measurements yielded values of 1720 ± 10 HV and 1820 ± 5 HV, respectively. These findings provide an experimental basis for selecting HVOF spraying conditions for ZrCN coatings intended to enhance the surface properties of 65G steel.

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Published

2026-09-30