Vacuum plasma spraying of composites with graded structure

Abstract

The applicability of the vacuum plasma spray process for the fabrication of composites with graded structures is investigated experimentally and by model calculations of the internal stresses by the finite element method. The process proved to be applicable to the fabrication of graded coatings as well as of free standing components with graded structure. This applies to metal/metal composites and to metal/ceramics systems, too. The graded composition leads to a pronounced reduction of internal stresses.