This study investigated the microstructure and high temperature oxidation properties of Fe-25Cr-20Ni-1.5Nb, HK30 alloy manufactured by metal injection molding (MIM) process. The powder used in MIM had a bi-modal size distribution of 0.11 and 9.19 μm and had a spherical shape. The initial powder consisted of γ-Fe and Cr23C6 phases. Microstructural observation of the manufactured (MIMed) HK30 alloy confirmed Cr23C6 along the grain boundary of the γ-Fe matrix, and NbC was distributed evenly on the grain boundary and in the grain. After a 24-hour high temperature oxidation test at air atmospheres of 1000, 1100 and 1200°C, the oxidation weight measured 0.72, 1.11 and 2.29 mg/cm,2 respectively. Cross-sectional observation of the oxidation specimen identified a dense Cr2O3 oxide layer at 1000°C condition, and the thickness of the oxide layer increased as the oxidation temperature increased. At 1100°C and 1200°C oxidation temperatures, Fe-rich oxide was also formed on the dense Cr2O3 oxide layer. Based on the above findings, this study identified the high-temperature oxidation mechanism of HK30 alloy manufactured by MIM.

The microstructure and macroscopic properties of WC-50Ni+stellite 1(Co-Cr-W, ST1) coating layer fabricated by HVOF spray have been investigated. WC-50Ni powder and ST1 powders were mixed in the ratio of 1:0 and 5:5 wt.%, respectively. Argon heat treatment (Ar) and high-frequency heat treatment (H.F.) were conducted on the coating materials. WC was decomposed in the Ar heat treatment specimen, but decomposition of WC was not observed in the H.F. heat treatment specimen. Hardness was measured for as-sprayed WC-50Ni (821.5Hv) and as-sprayed WC-50Ni+ST1 (668.1 Hv). Hardness of Ar heat treatment specimen was reduced by about 14~18% than that of the as-sprayed coating layers. However, when the H.F. heat treatment was performed, the hardness inversely increased by about 6~10% than the as-sprayed coating layer. Based on these results, the method to improve the mechanical property of HVOF sprayed WC-50Ni+ST1 coating layer has also been also discussed.