An investigation was conducted to explore the feasibility of applying plasm
a spray ceramic (alumina) coatings to Hadfield manganese and mild steels. T
he results suggest that an intermediate bond coat of Ni-Al alloy is necessa
ry, for satisfactory, coating adhesion on both the mild and manganese steel
substrates. The coating chemistry is altered by large scale diffusion of e
lements from the substrate to the coating and counterdiffusion of elements
from the coating into the substrate, both of which adversely, affect coatin
g bond strength and abrasive were resistance. (C) 1999 IoM Communications L
td.