Thermal properties of plasma-sprayed tungsten deposits

Tungsten powder was plasma-sprayed onto a graphite substrate in order to examine the microstructures, porosities, and thermal conductivities of tungsten deposits. Tungsten was partially oxidized to tungsten oxide (WO3) after plasma spraying. Most pores were found in the vicinity of lamellar layers in association with oxidation. It was revealed that both tungsten oxide and the lamellar structure with pores have a significant influence on the electrical and thermal conductivity.