Spray Plasma Processed ZrB₂-Based Coatings for Oxidation Protection

This work evaluates the potential of using a plasma spray process to introduce SiC into zirconia diboride ceramic coatings. Controlling the spraying of the ultra-refractory compound ZrB₂ is the first challenge as it represents the matrix in which SiC particles will reside. To that end, the experiments focus on spraying parameters that influence the plasma jet and the nature of the precursor feedstock. The results show that ZrB₂ coatings containing controlled amounts of SiC can be obtained through high-energy suspension plasma spraying. The ZrB₂-SiC coatings will be evaluated in a high-temperature oxidative environment in future work.