Abstract
In the present paper, the WC-Cr(3)C(2)-Ni based composite coatings with different kinds of graphene were prepared for the purpose of exploring the role of graphene in modulating ultrasonic cavitation erosion (UCE) mechanisms and corrosion dynamics. The WC-Cr(3)C(2)-Ni powder was functionalized with graphene nanoflakes and graphene oxide using polyvinyl, followed by deposition of distinct composite coatings via high-velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) spray technology. UCE and electrochemical experiments were utilized to analyze the UCE and corrosion behaviors of the composite coatings in marine-simulated 3.5 % NaCl electrolyte. The data revealed that the incorporation of graphene oxide effectively improves the resistance of the WC-Cr(3)C(2)-Ni coating to UCE, consequently reducing its cumulative volume loss (5.58 mm(3)) compared with the coating without graphene oxide (15.07 mm(3)) after 30 h UCE. The graphene oxide-modified coating's charge transfer resistance (3.29 × 10(5) Ω·cm(2)) was larger than that of the WC-Cr(3)C(2)-Ni coating (2.96 × 10(5) Ω·cm(2)) and the graphene nano flakes-modified WC-Cr(3)C(2)-Ni coating (2.11 × 10(5) Ω·cm(2)). The graphene oxide-modified WC-Cr(3)C(2)-Ni coating had a decreased corrosion propensity as well as a lower material dissolution rate compared to other two coatings.