Abstract

Oxide powders of Cr_2O_3 ;and;Cr_2O_3+3%TiO_2 were prepared by spray drying, plasma densification and fused+crushed processes. The oxide coating layers were made by plasma spray and characterized by microstructure, hardness, adhesion strength and relative density. The optimum spray distance for the high quality coatings by spraying dried powders was found to be 9cm. A small amount addition of TiO_2;in;Cr_2O_3 powder significantly improved coating characteristics by lowering the melting point of powders. The hardness and relative density of coating layers of the plasma densified powders were comparable to fused and crushed powders, however, the adhesion strength was much higher in the former case.