Excimer Laser Surface Treatment of Plasma Sprayed Coatings

Excimer laser annealing provides a rapid and efficient means for surface alloying and modification of ceramic materials. In this study, Alumina-13% Titania coatings were sprayed with a water-stabilized plasma spray gun. The coated surface was treated by Excimer laser having a wavelength of 248 nm and pulse duration of 24 ns. The surface structure of the treated coating was examined by field emission scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction (XRD). A detailed analysis of the effects of various laser parameters including laser energy density (fluence), pulse repetition rate (PRR), and number of pulses on the morphology and the microstructure of the coatings are presented.