Qualification of a Modified Triplex II Plasma Gun for Processing of Liquid Precursors and Wire- or Powder Shaped Spray Materials Under Controlled Atmosphere

The Sulzer Metco Triplex II gun marks a new generation of three cathode plasma guns. In opposition to conventional single cathode guns, it features a stationary plasma jet. Liquid precursors, wire- and powder shaped spray materials were processed with a modified Triplex II gun under controlled atmosphere and characteristics of the obtained coatings were investigated. A new shroud system was developed to handle susceptible to oxidation and reactive materials such as Ti and B₄C. A conception of a wire conveyance system enables the handling of three wires of titanium simultaneously. Furthermore a liquid spray material feed system, for the generation of Al₂O₃-coating with low porosity based on nanoparticle suspensions, was developed and built. All coatings, which were manufactured by the different procedures, are characterized comprehensively by means of optical microscopy (OM) including interactive image analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with attached electron dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) system, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microhardness.