Nanostructured Al2O3–TiO2 coatings for high-temperature protection of titanium alloy during ablation

Plasma-sprayed nanostructured Al2O3–13 wt.%TiO2 coatings were successfully fabricated on titanium alloys (Ti–6Al–4V) using as-prepared feedstock. Ablation experiments for the titanium alloy samples with or without a coating were carried out using a Metco 9MB plasma gun. The microstructure, phase constituents and mechanical properties of the titanium alloys before and after ablation were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Vickers hardness tester. The surface morphologies, cross-sectional microstructure and hardness of titanium alloys with coatings are similar before and after ablation. In contrast, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the titanium alloy without coating are significantly changed after ablation. The surface coating is found to serve as a protective coating during ablation.