P. Ctibor, K. Neufuss, V.Stengl: Structure and Properties of Plasma Sprayed TiO2 Ceramics, in New Nanotechniques, A. Malik, M.J. Rawat, eds., ISBN 978-1-60692-516-4, Nova Science, Hauppauge, NY, USA, pp. 115-161, 2009

Abstract: Agglomerated titania nanopowder and a conventional‖ titania were sprayed by thehigh throughput water-stabilized plasma spray system WSP® and thoroughly compared.Single splats evaluation and the free flight particles were used as means for the setup optimization. Phase composition, stoichiometry and selected properties, such as densityand elastic modulus of the macroscopic body, were then studied at the as-sprayed coatings. For certain samples a plasma system with hybrid stabilization water/ argon (WSPH) and conventional gas-stabilized plasma system (GSP) were used. Optical microscopy with image analysis as well as mercury intrusion porosimetry were utilized for quantification of porosity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) with Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) and X-ray diffraction were performed to study the morphology and the crystalline phases of the titania coatings. Mechanical properties like Vickers microhardness and slurry abrasion response were measured and linked to the structural investigation. Impact of the variation in the slurry composition on wear resistance of tested coatings and on character of the wear damage isdiscussed. Comparison of traditional and depth-sensing indentation (DSI) for investigation of local microhardness and local elastic modulus was done. Friction coefficient and surface roughness evolution before and after friction test were evaluated. Link