%0 Journal Article %T Optimization and Characterization of High Velocity Oxy-fuel Sprayed Coatings: Techniques, Materials, and Applications %A Maria Oksa %A Erja Turunen %A Tomi Suhonen %A Tommi Varis %A Simo-Pekka Hannula %J Coatings %D 2011 %I MDPI AG %R 10.3390/coatings1010017 %X In this work High Velocity Oxy-fuel (HVOF) thermal spray techniques, spraying process optimization, and characterization of coatings are reviewed. Different variants of the technology are described and the main differences in spray conditions in terms of particle kinetics and thermal energy are rationalized. Methods and tools for controlling the spray process are presented as well as their use in optimizing the coating process. It will be shown how the differences from the starting powder to the final coating formation affect the coating microstructure and performance. Typical properties of HVOF sprayed coatings and coating performance is described. Also development of testing methods used for the evaluation of coating properties and current status of standardization is presented. Short discussion of typical applications is done. %K thermal spray %K coating %K HVOF %K optimization %K characterization %K standardization %U http://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/1/1/17