a thermal spray composition and method of deposition for abradable seals for use in gas turbine engines , turbochargers and steam turbines . the thermal spray composition includes a solid lubricant and a ceramic preferably comprising 5 to 60 wt % total of the composition in a ratio of 1 : 7 to 20 : 1 of solid lubricant to ceramic , the balance a matrix - forming metal alloy selected from ni , co , cu , fe and al and combinations and alloys thereof . the solid lubricant is at least one of hexagonal boron nitride , graphite , calcium fluoride , lithium fluoride , magnesium fluoride , barium fluoride , tungsten disulfide and molybdenum disulfide particles . the ceramic includes at least one of albite , illite , quartz and alumina - silica .