Abstract
ThermaSiC is a SiC based coating where 1 µm particles of SiC are embedded in a matrix of YAG, giving a coating with high hardness and wear resistance. The coating is applied to steel substrates using an HVOF thermal Spray gun. The coating has been evaluated and tested for applications facing molten aluminum. ThermaSiC coating does not wet molten aluminum as the contact angle has been measured to be between 140 and 150° depending on coating conditions. The non-wetting and wear-resistant properties have enabled ThermaSiC to work as a novel coating for the steel rollers submerged in molten aluminum for extended periods during the aluminizing of steel strips. The use of ThermaSiC on these rollers enabled it to be made of carbon steel rather than stainless steel at the same time as providing fewer maintenance and quality issues in the final sheet.