Decomposition of Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 perovskite during atmospheric plasma spraying

► Complex perovskite Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 has high melting temperature of ~ 3100 °C. ► Thermomechanical bulk properties are promising for thermal barrier coating (TBC) applications. ► Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 decomposes during atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). ► Reduction of applied APS gun current reduces decomposition and produces better microstructure of the coatings. ► Coatings with composition nearer to stoichiometric and with higher porosity have higher TBC thermal cycling lifetime.