In SPPS spraying conditions can be controlled in order to achieve the desired coating microstructure and functionality. The effect of each spraying parameter on the coating microstructure is often nonlinear. Here, we presented an extensive examination of the effects of different plasma spraying conditions on the coating microstructure and hydrophobicity. The solution used in the experiment was prepared by dissolving 99.999% ytterbium nitrate pentahydrate in distilled water or a distilled water and ethanol mixture. The solution was deposited using an Axial III Series 600 plasma torch on stainless steel substrates (see Methods). Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of the spraying system, and Fig. 1b shows non-wetting water droplets on the coated surface. Twelve different spraying conditions were