Plasma Spraying of Copper by Hybrid Water-Gas DC Arc Plasma Torch

• Published in: Journal of thermal spray technology Vol. 20; no. 4; pp. 760 - 774
• Main Authors: Kavka, T., Matějíček, J., Ctibor, P., Mašláni, A., Hrabovský, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01.06.2011; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Analytical Chemistry; Applied sciences; Arc spraying; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Coatings; Copper; Corrosion and Coatings; Direct current; Exact sciences and technology; Flight behavior; Machines; Manufacturing; Materials Science; Metals. Metallurgy; Peer Reviewed; Plasma spraying; Plasma torches; Porosity; Processes; Production techniques; Spraying; Surface treatment; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thermal properties; Thin Films; Tribology; copper coatings; metallic particle oxidation; hybrid water-gas torch; plasma spraying; Plasma; Plasma torch; Hot spraying; Oxidation; Plasma spraying; Coatings; Surface treatment
• ISSN: 1059-9630; 1544-1016
• DOI: 10.1007/s11666-011-9633-1

Water-stabilized DC arc plasma torches offer a good alternative to common plasma sources used for plasma spraying applications. Unique properties of the generated plasma are determined by a specific plasma torch construction. This article is focused on a study of the plasma spraying process performed by a hybrid torch WSP500 ® -H, which combines two principles of arc stabilization—water vortex and gas flow. Spraying tests with copper powder have been carried out in a wide range of plasma torch parameters. First, analyses of particle in-flight behavior for various spraying conditions were done. After, particles were collected in liquid nitrogen, which enabled analyses of the particle in-flight oxidation. A series of spraying tests were carried out and coatings were analyzed for their microstructure, porosity, oxide content, mechanical, and thermal properties.