Abstract: A composite thermal barrier coating for a substrate has a first layer including a first ceramic material and a second layer including a second ceramic material impregnated with a glass, the glass being a ternary eutectic. The glass may consist of about 14.6 weight percent Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, about 23.3 weight percent CaO, and about 62.1 weight percent SiO.sub.2. The first and second ceramic materials may include yttria-stabilized zirconia.

Abstract: An improved plasma gun coaxially injects particles of ceramic materials having high melting temperatures into the central portion of a plasma jet. This results in a more uniform and higher temperature and velocity distribution of the sprayed particles. The position of the cathode is adjustable to facilitate optimization of the performance of the gun wherein grains of the ceramic material are melted at lower power input labels.

Abstract: Metal substrates, preferably of titanium and titanium alloys, are coated by alloying or forming TiN on a substrate surface. A laser beam strikes the surface of a moving substrate in the presence of purified nitrogen gas. A small area of the substrate surface is quickly heated without melting. This heated area reacts with the nitrogen to form a solid solution. The alloying or formation of TiN occurs by diffusion of nitrogen into the titanium. Only the surface layer of the substrate is heated because of the high power density of the laser beam and short exposure time. The bulk of the substrate is not affected, and melting of the substrate is avoided because it would be detrimental.