Abstract
This study explores the tribological properties of Ni-Cr-Al coatings applied through detonation spraying technology, with a focus on the comparison between gradient coatings and homogeneous coatings. Ni-Cr-Al coatings, widely used in aerospace, automotive, and energy industries like power plants, are valued for their exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and high-temperature stability. Gradient coatings, produced by tailoring the detonation spraying parameters, exhibit a microstructure combining a hard, wear-resistant surface with a softer, ductile subsurface, enhancing their load-bearing capacity and tribological performance. Experimental results reveal that gradient coatings achieve lower and more stable friction coefficients (0.3-0.4) compared to homogeneous coatings (0,4-0,5), attributed to their optimized stress distribution and reduced adhesive interactions. These findings underscore the superior wear resistance and durability of gradient Ni-Cr-Al coatings, making them highly suitable for applications involving prolonged operation under sliding conditions. This research contributes to the development of advanced coating systems optimized for demanding operational environments.