Water-stabilized Plasma Spraying-process

160 kW water-stabilized plasma spraying process originally developed in Czechoslovakia is described with reference to the principle, the structure of equipment, specific features of plasma flame, properties of films formed, materials used for spraying and applications of the process. Water plasma spraying is economical, with higher spraying efficiency than gas plasma spraying due to larger flame area. Water plasma-sprayed films of alumina and chromium oxide are superior to those of gas plasma especially in bonding strength, impact strength and resistance to thermal shock. Applications to mass-spraying of large products and formation of thick films are promising with this process. 14 ref.--K.O.