Thermally spraying metal/solid lubricant composites using wire feedstock

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A method of thermally spraying a solid lubricant (i.e. graphite or BN) impregnated metal matrix onto a metal target, using the steps of: (a) creating a flame or arc into which a consummable strand is fed the strand, being constituted as a hollow sheath of metal and a core therein comprising essentially solid lubricant powder particles, the flame or arc melting the metal of such strand; (b) applying a pressurized jet of atomizing gas to the melt and included graphite particles to project a spray of molten heavy metal and graphite particles generally homogeneously distributed throughout such spray, said graphite being protected against ablation during transit from the flame or arc to the …