Abstract: Thermally sprayable powders for the formation of abradable seals and abradable seals formed by thermally spraying the powders include an alloyed metal phase material and a solid lubricant ceramic phase material. The alloyed metal phase material includes a major amount of a matrix metal which can be one or more of Ag or Cu, at least one melting point depressing metal which can be one or more of Si, B, Mn, or Al, and at least one oxidation resistant metal which can be one or more of Al, Cr, or Si. The solid lubricant ceramic phase is preferably hexagonal boron nitride, molybdenum sulphide, graphite, talc, bentonite or mica. Abradable seals formed by thermally spraying the powders are suitable for use with Ti alloy blades at temperatures up to 700.degree. C.

Abstract: A insulating part for use in a plasma reactor, particularly as a support for an electrically floating shield in a plasma sputtering reactor. The insulating part is composed of a metallic base and a partial surface covering of a ceramic insulator, such as alumina. Preferably the ceramic coating is deposited by thermal spraying. The insulating part can be easily affixed to other metal parts in the chamber by use of fastening means such as screws applied to the uncoated portions of the part. When the insulating part is used as an isolator to support but electrically isolate a second metal part, the second metal part may rest on the ceramic coating with the insulating part screwed to the chamber wall or other metal support member.