Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is widely used in lightweight applications because of high values in specific strength and ridigity. However, the use is limited due to a low resistance against wear, low values in hardness and a low thermal resistance. In applications with high thermal radiation CFRPs can not be used due to the low glas transition and decomposition temperature. A possibility to enhance the temperature of use for CFRPs is the application of a thermal barrier coating by atmospheric plasma spray. Plasma sprayed coatings can have a high porosity and thus a low thermal conductivity and are in use for TBCs for decades. Chemical and mechanical methods were used as pretreatment of the CFRPs to ensure a mechanical bonding. The surface topography was measured amd visualized in order to evaluate the pretreatment methods. Low melting metals and metal alloys with a high thermal conductivity were used as bond coat materials. Additional methods to increase the adhesion strength were tested and evaluated. Low thermal conductive ceramic coatings were applied onto the bond coat. Methods to decrease the thermal conductivity of the thermal barrier coating were analyzed. Overall adhesion strength and phase composition of the powders and coatings were measured.