Abstract
This paper presents the generalized results of investigation of the structure-phase compositions of thick coatings on the base of Ni and Co deposited by plasma-jet on steel substrates. Research methodology included transmission and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis, X-ray structure phase analysis, mechanical testing. The phase structures and morphology of precipitation of strengthening nanoparticles from solid solution are defined; factor k is defined in the Hall-Petch equation for the coating materials; the coating structure model was developed. It was found that the exposure to plasma jet during the coating deposition leads to the evolution of the structural-phase state and to substantial improvement of microhardness of modified surfaces. The reason of doing this research is the necessity of the study of the structural and phase structure of these coatings and understanding what phase changes exactly are desirable in order to improve the structural behavior of the coatings at modifying treatment. Based on the experimental study, we plan to develop a scheme of the coating structure for the further use it in modeling processes taking place during additional irradiation treatment, and eventually to give evidence-based recommendations on the selection of modes of further processing.