Advanced microstructural study of suspension plasma sprayed titanium oxide coatings

Suspension plasma sprayed titanium oxide coatings were analyzed using transmission electron microscope (TEM) and using Raman spectroscopy. The suspensions used to spray were formulated using fine rutile pigment, water, alcohol or their mixtures, and a small quantity of dispersant. TEM study realized using a “face-to-face” preparation technique enabled to visualize a lamellar shape of grains and their columnar growth. The Raman spectroscopy was made for the samples prepared using different operational spray parameters. The investigations showed the presence of rutile and anatase phase in coatings sprayed using rutile fine powder.