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Title: Microstructural characterization of small-particle plasma spray coatings

Journal Article · · Journal of the American Ceramic Society
 [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. de Sevilla (Spain). Dept. de Fisica de la Materia Condensada
  2. Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL (United States)

The microstructure of a small-particle plasma spray (SPPS) aluminum oxide coating sprayed onto a prepared mild steel substrate has been characterized using a variety of microscopic techniques as part of a process optimization study. The coating was highly conforming to the substrate as evidenced in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, although some voids were present at the interface. The layered splat microstructure, characteristic of conventional plasma-sprayed coatings but smaller in size, was discerned in partially thinned samples in a focused-ion-beam scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM). Microcracks and microporosity, generally less than 0.5 {micro}m in size, was also seen between splats using transmission electron microscopy. Cubic alumina of the crystallographic form {gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} was identified by electron diffraction.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); Comision Interministerial de Ciencia y Tecnologia (Spain)
DOE Contract Number:
FC21-92MC29061
OSTI ID:
684419
Journal Information:
Journal of the American Ceramic Society, Vol. 82, Issue 8; Other Information: PBD: Aug 1999
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English