[en] Cermet coatings consisting of silicon carbide (SiC) particles in an aluminum matrix have been produced by a low-pressure chamber plasma spray process. Properties of these coatings are being investigated to evaluate their suitability for use in next generation magnetic confinement fusion reactors. Although this preliminary study has focused primarily upon SiC/Al cermets, the deposition process can be adapted to other ceramic/metal combinations. Potential applications for cermet coatings in magnetic fusion devices are presented along with experimental results from thermal tests of candidate coatings