Abstract
$Al_2O_3$coatings on mild steel substrate by plasma spray process were produced to evaluate microstructural characterization and mechanical properties. As-coated $Al_2O_3$coating samplessd were subjected to two heat treat-ment conditions : ⅰ) annealing under vacuum circumstance, ⅱ) hot press treated condition. The two heat treat-ed coatings were investigated in terms of microhardness, adhesion strength, wear resistance, porosity forma-tion, and microstructures. In the case of the coatings which were subject to preparation step ⅰ, the porosity in the coating was decreased with the increase of temperature ($700^{\circ}C$-$1100^{\circ}C$), and the wear resistance, microhardnesss and adhesion strength were increased with the increase of temperature. On the other hand, in the case of the coatings which were subject to preparation step ⅱ, wear resistance and adhesion strength were improved with the increase of temperature and pressure. Experimental measurements of coatings which were produced by both preparation conditions were enhanced compare to those of as-coated coatings.