Current thermal spray studies in the group are focussed largely on plasma spraying (using the installed Plasma Technik P1800 80 kW VPS unit), with particular attention being paid to thermal barrier coatings for gas turbine applications.

Recent studies in the group have clarified the mechanisms involved in sintering of zirconia-based top coats under service conditions and the significance of these for the thermo-mechanical stability of the system. Much of this work is being carried out in collaboration with Sulzer-Metco. Modelling studies are aimed at prediction of heat transfer characteristics in service and at simulation of the microstructural changes occurring at high temperature.