To enhance the properties of tungsten diboride, we have synthesized and characterized solid solutions of this material with chromium, molybdenum, rhenium and zirconium. The obtained materials were subsequently deposited as coatings. Various concentrations of these transition metal elements, ranging from 0.0 to 24.0 at.%, on a metals basis, were made. Spark plasma sintering was used to synthesize these refractory compounds from the pure elements. Elemental and phase purity of both samples (sintered compacts and coatings) were examined using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Microindentation was utilized to measure the Vickers hardness. X-ray diffraction results indicate that the solubility limit is below 8 at.% for Mo, Re and Zr and below 16 at.% for Cr. Above this limit both diborides (W,TM)B₂ are created. Addition of transition metals caused decrease of density and increase of hardness and electrical conductivity of sintered compacts. Deposited coatings W_1−xTM_xB_y (TM = Cr, Mo, Re, Zr; x = 0.2; y = 1.7–2) are homogenous, smooth and hard. The maximal hardness was measured for W-Cr-B films and under the load of 10 g was 50.4 ± 4.7 GPa. Deposited films possess relatively high fracture toughness and for WB₂ coatings alloyed with zirconium it is K_1c = 2.11 MPa m^1/2.

Hydroxyapatite is a widely used material used for the bioactivation of an implant’s surface. A promising hydroxyapatite coating approach is the kinetic deposition of powder particles. The possibility of solid-state deposition improvement through the merging of Aerosol Deposition and Low Pressure Cold Spraying techniques is a promising prospect for improving the deposition efficiency and the quality of coatings. The objective of the paper is to study the possibilities of hydroxyapatite coating structure modification through changes in the coating process and post-heat treatment. The novel Aerosol Cold Spraying system joining Low Pressure Cold Spraying and Aerosol Deposition was used for the deposition of coatings. The coating’s post-processing was conducted using two techniques: Spark Plasma Sintering and Pressureless Sintering. The coating’s structure was examined using scanning, transmission, and light microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Substrate–coating bond strength was assessed using a tensile test. Homogenous buildup using Aerosol Cold Spraying of hydroxyapatite was achieved. Various pores and microcracks were visible in the sprayed coatings. The deposition process and the thermal post-processing did not lead to significant degradation of the hydroxyapatite phase. As a result of the Spark Plasma Sintering and Pressureless Sintering at 800 °C, an increase in tensile adhesion bond strength and crystal size was obtained.