Applications of plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings

Plasma spraying encompasses a variety of surface engineering processes by which solid materials (wire, rods, powder particles) are heated by a plasma jet, melted and propelled against the substrate to be coated. Rapid solidification of the molten particles composed of metals, ceramics, polymers and composite materials at the substrate surface builds up, splat by splat, a layer whose various functions include protection against wear, erosion, corrosion and thermal or chemical degradation but also impart special electronical, magnetic or decorative properties to the substrate/coating system. Also, thick coatings are being applied in many industrial sectors to restore or attain desired workpiece dimensions and specifications.