Development of YBCO coatings by atmospheric plasma spraying

Superconducting Y–Ba–Cu–O thick films were produced by the atmospheric plasma spraying method. The effect of processing parameters (powder characteristics, spraying parameters) on the coatings properties was studied. X-ray diffraction analysis, SEM studies combined with EDS microanalysis and scratch test experiments were carried out in order to characterize the adhesion of the coatings to the substrate, the coatings morphology the thickness and crystalline structure as well as the powder phase transformations during spraying. For restoring the superconducting phase after deposition, the coatings were heated in oxygen in the temperature range 750–930°C. It was shown that the quality of the coatings and the adhesion to the substrate are greatly dependent on the deposition conditions. By calcining in oxygen under the appropriate conditions coatings consisting of the pure superconducting phase can be obtained.