LaZrO (LZ) Coatings by Liquid Feedstock Plasma Spraying: The Role of Precursors.

Solution precursor plasma spraying (SPPS) is an innovative process for obtaining finely structured coatings from metallic salt solutions. Lanthanum and zirconium precursors were studied to understand their influence on lanthanum zirconate (LaZrO) synthesis by SPPS. Thermal analysis revealed that the nature of the precursor and the solvent affected mixture decomposition by changing the decomposition temperature. The surface tensions of precursor solutions in various media were investigated and revealed the influence of the nature of the counter-cation. Different solutions of precursor mixtures were used to obtain LaZrO splats on metallic substrates. A decrease in solution surface tension led to an increase in splat size. Coating mechanisms by SPPS are governed by the nature of the precursors and solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]