Comparison of different measuring methods for the determination of the particle size of powders for plasma spraying

The average grain size, the grain-size distribution, the morphology and the microstructure are fundamental characteristics of a spraying powder. Now that the significance of the grain size for the pattern of properties of the powder has been recognised, greater consideration is also being given to it in standards and regulations. However, unfortunately, the processes according to which the grain size and the grain-size distribution must be determined are specified in the rarest of cases. The contribution therefore dealt with the comparison of different particle-size measuring techniques, such as diffraction spectroscopy, sedimentation, sieving and microscopic measurement. The comparability of the measured results was investigated on twelve plasma spraying powders with different compositions, nominal sizes and morphologies.