Improving the methodology for coating defects detection

A vacuum impregnation procedure for examining the microstructure of thermal spray coatings has been evaluated using a low-viscosity fluorescent resin. The use of confocal laser scanning microscopy for examining the microstruc ture allows three-dimensional image reconstruction of the sample. Relations hips between defects (i.e., porosity or micro/macrocracking) and coating pr operties can be established more accurately with the proposed methodology b ecause it enables quantitative analysis.