Computational image analysis of Suspension Plasma Sprayed YSZ coatings

The paper presents the computational studies of microstructure- and topography- related features of suspension plasma sprayed (SPS) coatings of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The study mainly covers the porosity assessment, provided by ImageJ software analysis. The influence of boundary conditions, defined by: (i) circularity and (ii) size limits, on the computed values of porosity is also investigated. Additionally, the digital topography evaluation is performed: confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) operating in Shape from Shading (SFS) mode measure surface roughness of deposited coatings. Computed values of porosity and roughness are referred to the variables of the spraying process, which influence the morphology of coatings and determines the possible fields of their applications.