Abstract
Chromia admixture to alumina feedstock is used to block the formation of γ-Al2O3 in plasma sprayed coatings. In this work, a mechanical blend of alumina-chromia powders was used with the water stabilized plasma to make thick coatings. When additional post-treatment by a quasi-continuous laser was applied to the surface, the amount of the corundum phase substantially increased. Careful examination of the treated surface revealed that the individual splats at and near the surface were fully remelted and the structure is formed by a homogeneous phase with no visible splat boundaries. Segregation of Chromium has been detected in the remelted zones, which strongly affects the final properties of coatings. Fast melting and cooling of the ceramic material under certain laser parameters may result in the formation of undesirable cracks between traces of individual passes of the laser beam.