High temperature particulate erosion of plasma sprayed YSZ versus selected powder characteristics and plasma torch designs

Particulate erosion behavior of plasma sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is discussed versus YSZ powder characteristics and plasma spray torch design. Erosion measurements were performed at 1093 degrees C/2000 F and at velocities of 245 m s(-1)/800 ft s(-1) and 490 m s(-1)/1600 ft s(-1) using low incidence angle alumina particulate. YSZ powders from two sources were procured in two size ranges and then plasma sprayed using five different torch designs. Torches included a Plasmadyne SG-100 a Metco 3MB, a Plasma Technic F-4, a Plasma Technic F-1-45 mini-gun, and a Metco 7MB. A large range in erosion rates at both 800 ft s(-1) and 1600 ft s(-1) is reported for the fabrication variables considered in this paper. Additionally, a high velocity exponent is measured. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.