Abstract Thermally sprayed ceramic coatings can be used for wear protection as well as thermal and electrical insulation. When exposed to environments with high humidity; the water absorption of the ceramic coating has a tremendous impact on the electrical insulation. In thermally sprayed ceramic coatings; water can easily be absorbed by the porous microstructure of the coating. A general result of the water absorption is the reduction of the DC resistivity. However; in the high frequency regime of AC loads; contrary results were observed for sealed Al2O3-coatings on steel substrates. Specimens exposed to high air humidity have shown an increased AC resistance compared to dry specimens if frequencies above 1 MHz are considered. To analyse this phenomenon; a novel measurement technique was developed to investigate the influence of the water absorption of detached ceramic coatings on the AC resistivity at high frequencies. Moreover; the water absorption of the ceramic is measured gravimetrically. To ensure the results are also applicable to ceramic coatings on substrates; the morphology of the coating was analysed using electron microscopy and compared to reference specimen deposited on steel substrates from [1].

Abstract Recently; the Al2O3-TiO2 ceramic coating has been considered as an effective solution for protecting steel against corrosion and wear; due to its high hardness; strong wear resistance and excellent durability. However; the inherent porosity might strongly affect its protective performance. This study revealed the effectiveness of sealing process for the plasma sprayed Al2O3-40TiO2 ceramic coating by using aluminum phosphate (APP) as sealant; with or without the presence of ultrasonication (20-40 kHz). To investigate the effect of APP permeability condition on microstructure and corrosionerosion resistance of the coating; various methods have been carried out; such as SEM/EDX analysis; potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The experimental data indicated that the APP permeability condition under ultrasonication at 30 kHz during 5 hours provided the highest values of corrosion protection and erosion resistance.

Abstract A method is described wherein a ceramic oxide nanocomposite coating has been produced via a co-precipitation route. The first step in the process consists of forming a solid solution by use of plasma melting, homogenization, and rapid quenching of two ceramics that are normally immiscible. In the best case, the resulting structure is a true solid solution in a new, metastable crystalline structure. The quenched particles can be deposited as a coating or sprayed into water or onto a chill block to form a powder. When the material is sintered via a pressureless process, such as that for a coating, the phase decomposition proceeds quickly, resulting in a homogeneously distributed two-phase structure of micron sized particles. However, when the powders are compacted and sintered at very high pressures (1-8 GPa) and low temperatures (T ~ 0.3 - 0.5 Tm), the increased nucleation of the precipitates results in a composite in which both phases have grain sizes less than 25nm. This paper will review the underlying phenomenon behind the method and the resulting kinetics.

Abstract Reusable space vehicles, which must withstand re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, require external protection systems (TPS) which are usually in the forms of rigid surface in areas of high or moderate working temperature. High heat fluxes and temperatures related to high performance hypervelocity flights also require the use of TPS materials having good oxidation and thermal shock resistance, dimensional stability, and ablation resistance. Components by these materials are usually fabricated, starting from either billets or plate stocks, by uniaxial hot pressing, and complex parts, such as low radius edges, are then obtained by electrical discharge machining technique. This article investigates an alternative fabrication technology, based on plasma spraying, to produce near net shape components. Results of experimental activities, such as optimization of plasma spraying parameters based on a DOE approach, are reported and discussed.

Abstract As a new plasma gun technology the TRIPLEX system has been introduced in the industrial field two years ago. The core of the TRIPLEX technology is a plasma gun with three cathodes and a long cascaded nozzle consisting of several insulated rings. Only the last ring with a relatively long distance to the cathode is operated as anode. Because of the equal and constant lengths of the three independent arcs, stretching from the three cathodes to the common anode, a stationary plasma jet is generated. Compared to conventional torches, the improved stability of the plasma jet allows a more uniform powder treatment and a higher deposition efficiency as well as the powder feed rate can be increased using a triple injection system. A significantly longer life time of the electrodes reduces the cost for quality control in the coating process. The characteristic properties of oxide ceramic coatings are improved in comparison with the coatings produced by conventional plasma torches. The results of two years industrial application of the innovative torch system TRIPLEX are presented in the paper.

Abstract In this paper a process based on both Thermal Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition (TPCVD) and Suspension Plasma Spraying (SPS) is applied on r.f. induction thermal plasma for α/β-SiC ceramic synthesis and deposition. The starting materials are low-cost liquid disilanes. The resulting coatings are investigated by means of SEM and XRD. Results on the influence of the processing parameters (i.e. pressure, spray distance, substrate temperature, plasma gas nature and composition, precursor composition, atomization parameters) on the coating phase and microstructure are shown. Control of the microstructure (or nanostructure) as well as of the phase content, namely the ratio α/β can be achieved. A processing route presenting the elementary steps of SiC TPCVD is also proposed.

Abstract In the sieve section of a paper producing machine, where the formation of paper occurs, a polyethylene sieve is guided over a set of ceramic blades to remove the water in the paper slurry. These sieves are running with velocities of 70 km/h and more. The high velocities lead to defects in the tissue structure of the sieve as well as on the blades. Moreover the presence of high abrasive particles like kaolin and carbonates in the paper slurry as well as its corrosive characteristics enforce the material wear. Present solutions include bulk ceramic blades but they cause defects on the sieves and they are quite expensive. New solutions are desired where these bulk ceramic blades can be replaced by intelligent coating systems that on one hand exhibit an extraordinarily high wear resistance but can minimize the wear of the PE sieve on the other hand. The presentation gives first results obtained by different types of ceramic and cermetic coating systems manufactured by thermal spray technology.

Abstract Adhesion of ceramic coatings considerably depends on the surface characteristics of blasted substrates. The roughened surfaces have two kinds of topographical characteristics, one is of their cross section and the other is of planar. The roughened surfaces is generated by angled grit-blasting process which can be expected to improve the adhesion of ceramic coatings. The topography of the roughened surfaces has fractal characteristics in their cross section and has been more effectively related to the adhesive strength of ceramic coatings than average surface roughness traditionally used. This paper presents that fractal characteristics is evaluated in the planar topography of the blasted surfaces and shows that the planar fractal characteristics is closely related adhesion of ceramic coatings. The planar fractal dimension is evaluated by SIA (Slit Island Analysis) which needs the height data on the roughened surface. Those data are obtained by a laser-microscope in confocal type.

Abstract Today, powder particles diameter used for thermal spraying is generally comprised between 5 and 100µm with a preferred range around 40µm for APS applications. Actually, the future trends in plasma spraying are directed to the use of fine or ultrafine powders and the reduction of the steps between raw materials and coatings. So, the present paper investigates the way to use directly spray dried ceramic powders in suppressing the sintering stage. AI2O3 based powders were obtained by the spray drying process. By optimizing the parameters (slurry composition and injection as well as drying characteristics), a narrow grain size distribution was achieved. Chemical composition and shape of synthesized powders were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The crystallographic structure was identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Demonstration was made that it is possible to obtain coatings using directly spray dried ceramic powders. The plasma spray process parameters (such as current intensity, gas flow rate, powder feed rate and injection mode, cooling stage,...) have to be managed to achieve cohesive coatings. The structure and chemical composition of these coatings were studied. In this way, the direct use of spray dried powders appears as a promising way to realize ceramic coatings.

Abstract Cold work and heat treatment influence the mechanical properties, residual stress-state, and corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steels. In this study we have examined changes in the defect substructure and microstructure of Type 304 stainless steel resulting from surface preparation, and deposition of bond coats and thick ceramic coatings using plasma spray methods. The structure of the stainless steel was examined as a function of depth from the coating surface using optical and transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. Grit blasting was found to severely cold work the material to a depth of tens of microns, and the amount of cold work varied with measured abrasive particle velocity. The heat input to the surface as a result of depositing a metallic bond coat or thick ceramic coating resulted in substantial annealing of the cold work imparted into the substrate by surface preparation. There was, however, no evidence of change in grain size near the substrate-coating interface that could be attributed to recrystallization or grain growth in the substrate.

Abstract Alumina coatings plasma-sprayed on alumina substrate with metallic bond coating (50Ni-50Cr) and on metal (Ni) substrate have been investigated in terms of adhesion strength and a veined structure formed in alumina coating. The veined structure is formed to heal up cracks and pores in sprayed alumina and substrate alumina after heat-treatment in air. The veined structure consists of oxides of NiAl 2 O 4 (spinel-type) and NiO (NaCl-type). This indicates that the metallic elements in the bond coating or the metallic substrate diffuse along the cracks and pores in alumina and react with alumina. The alumina coating with veined structure shows high strength due to the mechanical anchoring of veined oxide and chemical bonding.

Abstract In an effort to obtain a series of plasma-sprayed coatings of controlled microstructure, three monosized sapphire powders were deposited using an axial injection torch in which the plasma gas composition and nozzle diameter were the only parameters varied. The effect of these parameters on splat morphology, porosity, angular crack distribution, and hardness is reported. Uniform, dense microstructure with a hardness rivaling chromia coatings was achieved through a combination of tightly controlled processing conditions and the use of mono-disperse precursor powders.

Abstract Due to advanced technical, economic and environmental reasons, radial shaft and hydraulic rod seals demand new wear resistant counterface materials. Thermal spraying offers one alternative to common hardening and hard plating technologies. Applying corrosion resistant ceramic coatings by Thermal Spraying leads to new applications in sealing systems. The combination with PTFE-compound sealing materials can be used with aqueous, non-lubricating and corrosive fluids. The authors have carried out extensive research on how the coating material and the surface structure of the coating effect hydraulic rod and radial shaft sealing systems. The presented results show that the influence of the coating on the sealing is critical for the performance of both standard and new custom sealing systems.

Abstract Bond coats based on bioinert ceramic materials such as titania and zirconia were developed to increase the adhesion strength of the coating system hydroxyapatite/bond coat to Ti6A14V alloy surfaces used for hip endoprostheses and dental root implants. The bond coats improved the adhesion strength, measured by a modified ASTM D3167-76 peel test, by 50 to 100% and also the resorption resistance as determined by in vitro leaching in simulated body fluid (Hank's Balanced Salt Solution, HBSS) for up to 28 days.

Abstract The last decade has seen a rapid increase in the use of Thermally Sprayed Coatings for Oil and Gas production applications. In particular, since 1982 the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry has considered Thermally Sprayed Aluminum (TSA) for protection of steel structures in the splash zone and other areas in the marine environment. Experience to date has indicated that when TSA is properly applied with a specific sealer system a service life in excess of 30 years with zero maintenance is possible. This produces a corresponding reduction in life cycle costs. Other coating systems such as nickel-based alloys, ceramics and thermoplastics are also finding useful applications. This paper discusses recent advances in thermal spraying technology and current and future applications in the Oil and Gas Industry. This is illustrated with reference to several projects and details on life cycle costs. In particular, thermal spraying of pressure vessels, risers, pipelines and structural components are detailed.

Abstract Ceramic-clad ceramic components were developed to address the need for buffer rods capable of operating under severe conditions. The buffer rods were produced using plasma spraying to build up a 500-nm thick layer of alumina on a solid alumina rod. Both conventional plasma spraying and high power plasma spraying techniques were employed to deposit the alumina coating directly onto a pre-roughened surface. Characterization of the resulting coatings indicated a level of porosity of several percent, substantially higher than that of the dense core. The room temperature wave propagation characteristics exhibited by these clad buffer rods were significantly improved over that of the unclad components.

Abstract Plasma spraying, commonly used for wear and heat resistant barriers, can be used to produce free-standing bulk ceramic parts as well. In this work the microstructure and phase development of a bulk plasma-sprayed alumina material with about 14 % porosity and splat like grains is investigated in the as-sprayed and various annealed material conditions, using electron microscopic and x-ray diffraction techniques. The fracture characteristics are investigated using standard CT specimens in in-situ SEM experiments. The mechanical response of the material is clearly a result of two features: the pronounced alignment of microstructure itself, and the occurrence of a splat-internal microcrack sub-structure in the as-sprayed condition. This microcrack substructure is a consequence of a splat internal columnar subgrain structure which occurs as a result of the rapid cooling conditions on deposition. The morphology of this subgrain structure and its phase composition is seen to change extensively on annealing. It is found that the mechanical behaviour of the as sprayed material is dominated by this internal subgrain structure, but the behaviour of sufficiently annealed material is dominated by the morphology and mechanical stability of the splat like grains themselves. The biggest change on annealing is not an overall sintering effect, but rather the recrystallisation of the splat internal substructure

Abstract This paper examines ways to control the porosity of thermally sprayed deposits. All spraying was done with a water-stabilized plasma system using different combinations of alumina, zircon, Ni, and Al powders. Sandwiched structures with alternating ceramic and metal layers were sprayed as were thick deposits consisting of metal and ceramic mixtures. Porosity was characterized by methods such as gas permeability, water immersion, MIP, SEM, and SANS. In addition, several post-processing methods were tested to determine their effect on porosity volume. For example, removing metallic phases by leaching or by annealing at temperatures above the melting point was found to effectively increase porosity, while the use of sealing materials proved effective at reducing porosity. Another method tested was calcination, which resulted in an increase or decrease of porosity depending on the deposit's chemistry and annealing conditions.

Abstract The paper presents the influence of laser-beam remelting of Al 2O3 -Ni ceramic layers spread on creep-resisting alloy by means of plasma spray upon the quality of ceramic coatings, which form thermal barrier and high temperature corrosion shield of these alloys. The examination showed that 0.103.10 9 W/m2 power density laser-beam scanning ensures good quality of coatings at beam moving rate 1 to 2 m/min. At smaller scanning rate, laser remelted ceramic layer spalls and chips. Better quality of the ceramic coatings can be obtained by diffusive chromoaluminizing applied prior to laser remelting. Laser-beam remelting conditions of such layers, elaborated in the course of examination, ensure pores fading, decrease of remelted layer thickness and increase of base adhesion without cracks, chips and spalls. Additionally remelted zone features either strong break up of structure or the structure is amorphic with unchanged chemical composition as to the matrix chemical composition. Obtained results are the base for the elaboration of thermal barrier technology and the technology of anticorrosion shield for creep - resisting alloys applied in high temperature power engineering.

Abstract This paper explains how laser-beam remelting influences the quality of ceramic coatings on superalloy substrates. The coatings studied consist of Al2O3-Ni ceramic layers. Test results showed that a laser power density of 0.103 x 109 W/m2 is ideal for a beam rate of 1 to 2 m/min. It was also found that coating quality could be further improved by adding a diffusive Cr-Al layer prior to laser remelting. This added step reduces pore volume and layer thickness and increases adhesion without cracks, chips, or spalls. The examination also showed that, depending on cooling rate, it is possible to obtain layers that are similar in composition but different in structure or even amorphic.