Experimental Validation of a Curvilinear Nozzle Design for Improved DC Plasma Spraying

This paper presents the experimental validation of a curvilinear novel nozzle design. Their effect on the speed and temperature of the particles in flight, on the porosity and adhesive force of the coatings is measured and compared with conventional conical nozzle devices. The nozzle testing is performed using a Miller SG100 dc plasma torch. It is observed that the curvilinear nozzle produced denser and more uniform coatings with lower porosity and higher adhesive force. This could be achieved by increasing the flight temperature of the particles and ensuring more complete melting of the particles. The velocity profile of the particles on the substrate remained unchanged. Paper includes a German-language abstract.