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Purpose In the present study, Al2O3 coatings were deposited on stainless steel AISI-304 material by using atmospheric plasma spraying technique to combat high temperature solid particle erosion. The present aims at the performance analysis of Al2O3 coatings at high temperature conditions. Design/methodology/approach The erosion studies were carried out at a temperature of 400°C by using a hot air-jet erosion tester for 30° and 90° impingement angles. The possible erosion mechanisms were analyzed from scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs. Surface characterization of the powder and coatings were conducted by using an X-ray diffractometer, SEM, equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer. The porosity, surface roughness and micro-hardness of the as-sprayed coating were measured. This paper discusses outcomes of the commonly used thermal spray technology, namely, the plasma spray method to provide protection against erosion. Findings The plasma spraying method was used to successfully deposit Al2O3 coating onto the AISI 304 substrate material. Detailed microstructural and mechanical investigations were carried out to understand the structure-property correlations. Major findings were summarized as under: the erosive wear test results indicate that the plasma sprayed coating could protect the substrate at both 30° and 90° impact angles. The coating shows better resistance at an impact angle of 30° compared with 90°, which is related to the pinning and shielding effect of the alumina particle. The major erosion wear mechanisms of Al2O3 coating were micro-cutting, micro-ploughing, splat removal and detachment of Al2O3 hard particles. Originality/value In the current study, the authors have followed the standard testing method of hot air jet erosion test as per American society for testing of materials G76-02 standard and reported the erosion behavior of the eroded samples. The coating was not removed at all even after the erosion test duration i.e. 10 min. The erosion test was continued till 3 h to understand the evolution of coatings and the same has been explained in the erosion mechanism. The outcome of the present study may be used to minimize the high temperature erosion of AISI-304 substrate.