The hexacelsian-to-celsian phase transformation in Ba1-xSrxAl2Si2O8 is of interest for environmental barrier coating applications. Plasma-sprayed microstructures were heat treated above 1100 degrees C and the kinetics of the hexacelsian-to-celsian transformation were quantified. Activation energies for bulk and crushed materials were determined to be similar to 340 and similar to 500 kJ mol(-1), respectively. X-ray diffraction and electron backscattered diffraction were used to establish how plasma spraying barium- and strontium-doped aluminosilicate effectively reduces the energy required for its transformation. (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.