Analysis of Experimental Results of Plasma Spray Coatings Using Statistical Techniques

Abstract

Surface modification is a generic term applied to a large field of diverse technologies that can be gainfully harnessed to achieve increased reliability and enhanced performance of industrial components. The incessant quest for higher efficiency and productivity across the entire spectrum of manufacturing and engineering industries has ensured that most modern-day components are subjected to increasingly harsh environments during routine operation. Critical industrial components are, therefore, prone to more rapid degradation as the parts fail to withstand the rigors of aggressive operating conditions and this has been taking a heavy toll of industry’s economy. In an overwhelmingly large number of cases, the accelerated deterioration of parts and their eventual failure has been traced to material damage brought about by hostile environments and also by high relative motion between mating surfaces, corrosive media, extreme temperatures and cyclic stresses. Simultaneously, research efforts focused on the development of new materials for fabrication are beginning to yield diminishing returns and it appears unlikely that any significant advances in terms of component performance and durability can be made only through development of new alloys.