A Comprehensive Review of Improving the Durability Properties of Agricultural Harrow Discs by Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS)
Corneliu Munteanu, Iurie Melnic, Bogdan Istrate, Mark Hardiman, L Gaiginschi, Fabian Cezar Lupu, Vlad Nicolae Arsenoaia, Daniela Lucia Chicet, Constantin Zirnescu, Vladimir Badiul
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the application of thermal spraying techniques to enhance the durability and wear resistance of agricultural machinery components, with a particular focus on disc harrow assemblies. Given the harsh conditions under which tillage tools operate—characterized by abrasive wear, impact stresses, and chemical exposure from various soil types—thermal sprayed coatings have emerged as a viable solution to extend the service life of these components. The study discusses various deposition methods, particularly Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS), and evaluates their effectiveness in creating high-performance surface layers that resist wear, corrosion, and mechanical degradation. The review also summarizes experimental and field test results for coatings based on materials such as NiCrBSi, WC-Co-Cr, TiO2, Al2O3, Cr2O3, and ceramic–metal composites, highlighting their significant improvements in hardness, friction reduction, and resistance to delamination and oxidation. The paper highlights research using thermal spraying techniques, especially APS for agricultural applications, with emphasis mostly on components intended for soil processing and requiring good resistance to abrasive wear.