In-situ formed γ-Al2O3 nanocrystals repaired and toughened Al2O3 coating prepared by plasma spraying

During process of plasma spraying of alumina with the stable α phase in the as-received powder, metastable γ phase tends to form in the as-deposited coating. In this paper, plasma-sprayed Al2O3 coating was investigated using transmission electron microscopy. In situ formation of γ-Al2O3 nanocrystals was observed in the pre-existing cracks of the as-sprayed Al2O3 coating, which contributes to self-repairing and self-toughening of the Al2O3 coating. Except for the predominant intergranular fracture, the pre-formed γ-Al2O3 nanocrystals would effectively obstruct the crack development in the coating and then the coating fracture toughness is enhanced.

► Pure Al2O3 coating was deposited by plasma spraying.
► In situ formation of γ-Al2O3 nanocrystals was observed in the pre-existing cracks.
► The pre-formed γ-Al2O3 nanocrystals contribute to self-toughening of Al2O3 coating.