Synthesis of TiOx-based ceramics by plasma spraying

Structure of ceramics obtained by the plasma spray deposition of spherical TiO₂ powders has been investigated. An electron microscopy study of the surfaces and cross sections of particles in the initial powder and of the deposited ceramic coatings was performed. X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering data proved that the coatings were mainly structured as rutile. In addition, Raman and X-ray diffraction data have revealed an amorphous phase, an anatase phase, and non-stoichiometric phases Ti₈O₁₅, Ti₁₀O₁₉, Ti₇O₁₃, etc. being present in the coatings. The observed suppression of (011) and (111) XRD peaks and an increased intensity of (110) peak are indicative of a predominant orientation of grains in the synthesized ceramics. Mechanisms of formation of the complex coating structure are discussed.