Effect of matrix/reinforcement combination on cold sprayed coating deposition behaviour

Cold sprayed composite coatings are usually composed of extensively deformed metal particles and undeformed hard reinforcements. Generally, there is a difference in the composition between the feedstock powder and the final coating. The reason was explored based on the deposition behaviour of cold sprayed composite coatings, which are composed of different combinations of matrix and reinforcement (Al5056+SiC, AZ91D+SiC and Al5056+In718). Experimental results show that a higher reinforcement content in the coating contributes from a higher deposition efficiency of the reinforcement. The great difference in the impact velocity between the matrix and the reinforcement mainly causes the difference in the reinforcement content between the starting powder and the resultant coating. Finally, when the particle velocity of the reinforcement is comparable to that of the matrix, the superior kinetic energy of the matrix or the reinforcement could benefit the incorporation of the reinforcement.