Anisotropic Microstructure of Plasma-Sprayed Deposits

Published

April 1, 1998

Author(s)

J Ilavsky, Gabrielle G. Long, Andrew J. Allen, L Leblanc, M Prystay, C Moreau, Alan H. Band

Abstract

The microstructure of plasma-sprayed deposits [PSD] is dominated by two void systems-interlamellar pores and intralamellar cracks - each with a different anisotropy. Varying anisotropies and crack-to-pore ratios within PSDs are responsible for the anisotropic properties observed in the deposits. While it is difficult to apply standard porosity measurement techniques to the assessment of anisotropic microstructures, novel techniques utilizing different approaches have recently emerged. Image analysis [IA] of impregnated PSD samples is the most direct technique. The structure is stabilized by impregnation and then polished and imaged. The limitations of IA lie in the impregnation process and in the subsequent polishing. Also, the images produced from anisotropic materials can be difficult to interpret quantitatively. The technique of small-angle neutron scattering [SANS] has recently been successfully applied to the study of PSDs. The major advantages of SANS are that it does not require sample preparation and that quantitative information can be gotten about the separate crack and pore systems, including their distinctive anisotropies. However, the relationship between the SANS results and the underlying structure is more complex and less intuitive than for IA, and the availability of the SANS technique is limited by the need to have access to a powerful neutron source, such as a reactor. Also, the two techniques present different views of the microstructure because of the different sensitivities in different parts of the size range. This paper compares results from IA and SANS from a set of thick plasma-sprayed ceramic deposits possessing a range of crack/pore microstructures, and discusses how the two techniques might complement one another.

Proceedings Title

15th International Thermal Spray Conference Thermal Spray Meeting the Challenge of the 21st Century

Conference Dates

May 25-29, 1998

Conference Location

Nice, FR

Conference Title

International Thermal Spray Conference

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

anisotropy, image analysis, microstructure, porosity

Citation

Ilavsky, J. , Long, G. , Allen, A. , Leblanc, L. , Prystay, M. , Moreau, C. and Band, A. (1998), Anisotropic Microstructure of Plasma-Sprayed Deposits, 15th International Thermal Spray Conference Thermal Spray Meeting the Challenge of the 21st Century, Nice, FR (Accessed October 22, 2025)