Effects of humidity on the flow characteristics of a composite plasma spray powder

The effects of environmental humidity on the flow characteristics of a multicomponent (composite) plasma spray powder have been investigated. Angular and spherical BaF2−CaF2 powder was fabricated by comminution and by atomization, respectively. The fluorides were blended with nichrome, chromia, and silver powders to produce a composite plasma spray feedstock. The tap density, apparent density, and angle of repose were measured at 50% relative humidity (RH). The flow of the powder was studied from 2 to 100% RH. The results suggest that the feedstock flow is only slightly degraded with increasing humidity below 66% RH and is more affected above 66% RH. There was no flow above 90% RH except with narrower particle size distributions of the angular fluorides, which allowed flow up to 95% RH. These results offer guidance that enhances the commercial potential for this material system.