Microstructure and Oxidation Behavior of Al and Al/NiCrAlY Coatings on Pure Titanium Alloy

To improve the oxidation resistance of Ti alloys, a NiCrAlY coating was deposited as diffusion barrier between aluminum overlay coating and pure Ti substrate by air plasma spraying method. The microstructure and oxidation behavior of Al coatings with and without NiCrAlY diffusion barrier were investigated in isothermal oxidation tests at 800 °C for 100 h. The results indicate that the weight gain of the Al/NiCrAlY coating was 4.16 × 10^?5 mg² cm^?4 s^?1, whereas that of the single Al coating was 9.52 × 10^?5 mg² cm^?4 s^?1 after 100 h oxidation. As compared with single Al coating, the Al/NiCrAlY coating revealed lower oxidation rate and excellent oxidation resistance by forming thin Al₂O₃ + NiO scales at overlaying coating/diffusion barrier and diffusion barrier/substrate interfaces. Meanwhile, the inward diffusion of Al and the outward diffusion of Ti were inhibited effectively by the NiCrAlY diffusion barrier.     

Corrosion Protection of Phenolic-Epoxy/Tetraglycidyl Metaxylediamine Composite Coatings in a Temperature-Controlled Borax Environment

The failure behavior for two kinds of phenolic-epoxy/tetraglycidyl metaxylediamine composite coatings in 60 °C borax aqueous solution was evaluated using electrochemical methods (EIS) combined with scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscope, water immersion test, and Raman spectrum. The main focus was on the effect of curing agent on the corrosion protection of coatings. Results revealed that the coating cured by phenolic modified aromatic amine possessed more compact cross-linked structure, better wet adhesion, lower water absorption (0.064 mg h^?1 cm^?2) and its impedance values was closed to 10⁸ Ω cm² after immersion for 576 h, while the coating cured by modified aromatic ring aliphatic amine was lower than 10⁵ Ω cm². The corrosion mechanism of the two coatings is discussed.     

Characteristics of Cu Film Deposited Using VLPPS

Cu coatings were obtained by the very low pressure plasma spray (VLPPS) process using a torch F4-VB. The tank pressure was varied from 1 to 5 mbar: these specific conditions can be allowed to obtain a higher vapor condensation fraction in the coating. Different sizes of powders are used to compare the vaporization level. The other possible influencing factors for obtaining compact film-like coating are also considered such as the distance between the torch and substrate, the orientation of the vapors and also the substrate temperatures. Microstructures of coatings are analyzed and combined with the results of plasma diagnostics. Jobin-Yvon spectrometer (type TRIAX190, UK) and Plasus Specline Spectroscopy software are both used for detecting and analyzing plasma spectrum data. The value of plasma electronic excited temperature T _e was calculated through choosing H_α and H_β two atom spectra. The results showed that the plasma belongs to cold plasma in the local thermodynamic equilibrium situation in VLPPS.     

Microstructure and Thermophysical Properties of SrZrO<Subscript>3</Subscript> Thermal Barrier Coating Prepared by Solution Precursor Plasma Spray

Strontium zirconate (SrZrO₃) thermal barrier coatings were deposited by solution precursor plasma spray (SPPS) using an aqueous precursor solution. The phase transition of the SrZrO₃ coating and the influence of the aging time at 1400 °C on the microstructure, phase stability, thermal expansion coefficient, and thermal conductivity of the coating were investigated. The unique features of SPPS coatings, such as interpass boundary (IPB) structures, nano- and micrometer porosity, and through-thickness vertical cracks, were clearly observed evidently in the coatings. The vertical cracks of the coatings remained substantially unchanged while the IPB structures gradually diminished with prolonged heat treatment time. t-ZrO₂ developed in the coatings transformed completely to m-ZrO₂ phase after heat treatment for 100 h. Meanwhile, the SrZrO₃ phase in the coatings exhibited good phase stability upon heat treatment. Three phase transitions in the SrZrO₃ coatings were revealed by thermal expansion measurements. The thermal conductivity of the as-sprayed SrZrO₃ coating was ~1.25 W m^?1 K^?1 at 1000 °C and remained stable after heat treatment at 1400 °C for 360 h, revealing good sintering resistance.     

Oxidation Resistance of Vacuum Plasma Sprayed CoNiCrAlY Coatings Modified by Filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc Deposition Aluminizing

The vacuum plasma sprayed CoNiCrAlY coatings are modified by filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition aluminizing. The microstructure and oxidation resistance of the coatings are investigated. The parabolic law is obeyed for the aluminized coatings after oxidation at 1100 °C for 100 h. Its parabolic kinetic constant is 0.080 mg²/cm⁴ h, which is lower than that of as-sprayed coatings. The continuous and dense Al₂O₃ scale is formed earlier due to the increase of Al concentration, and the spinels hardly exist. The oxidation resistance is improved obviously after filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition aluminizing.     

Tribological Behavior of Plasma-Sprayed Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-20 wt.%TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Coating

Al₂O₃-20 wt.% TiO₂ ceramic coatings were deposited on the surface of Grade D steel by plasma spraying of commercially available powders. The phases and the microstructures of the coatings were investigated by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The Al₂O₃-20 wt.% TiO₂ composite coating exhibited a typical inter-lamellar structure consisting of the γ-Al₂O₃ and the Al₂TiO₅ phases. The dry sliding wear behavior of the coating was examined at 20 °C using a ball-on-disk wear tester. The plasma-sprayed coating showed a low wear rate (~4.5 × 10^?6 mm³ N^?1 m^?1), which was <2% of that of the matrix (~283.3 × 10^?6 mm³ N^?1 m^?1), under a load of 15 N. In addition, the tribological behavior of the plasma-sprayed coating was analyzed by examining the microstructure after the wear tests. It was found that delamination of the Al₂TiO₅ phase was the main cause of the wear during the sliding wear tests. A suitable model was used to simulate the wear mechanism of the coating.     

Elastic Modulus Evolution and Behavior of Si/Mullite/BSAS-Based Environmental Barrier Coatings Exposed to High Temperature in Water Vapor Environment

Si-based ceramics (e.g., SiC and Si₃N₄) are known as promising high-temperature structural materials in various components where metals/alloys reached their ultimate performances (e.g., advanced gas turbine engines and structural components of future hypersonic vehicles). To alleviate the surface recession that Si-based ceramics undergo in a high-temperature environmental attack (e.g., H₂O vapor), appropriate refractory oxides are engineered to serve as environmental barrier coatings (EBCs). The current state-of-the-art EBCs multilayer system comprises a silicon (Si) bond coat, mullite (3Al₂O₃·2SiO₂) interlayer and (1 ? x)BaO·xSrO·Al₂O₃·2SiO₂, 0 ?? x ?? 1 (BSAS) top coat. In this article, the role of high-temperature exposure (1300 °C) performed in H₂O vapor environment (for time intervals up to 500 h) on the elastic moduli of air plasma sprayed Si/mullite/BSAS layers deposited on SiC substrates was investigated via depth-sensing indentation. Laser-ultrasonics was employed to evaluate the E values of as-sprayed BSAS coatings as an attempt to validate the indentation results. Fully crystalline, crack-free, and near-crack-free as-sprayed EBCs were engineered under controlled deposition conditions. The absence of phase transformation and stability of the low elastic modulus values (e.g., ~60-70 GPa) retained by the BSAS top layers after harsh environmental exposure provides a plausible explanation for the almost crack-free coatings observed. The relationships between the measured elastic moduli of the EBCs and their microstructural behavior during the high-temperature exposure are discussed.     

Advances in the development of detonation technologies and equipment for coating deposition

New devices and methods for the plasma detonation deposition of coatings, which give a permanent delivery of gases and powders into the combustion chamber, have been developed. They allow one to increase the delivery accuracy and to promote an operation frequency of 2–20 Hz for these detonation devices. Non-stationary regimes of the detonation combustion of a combustible gaseous mixture are found allowing the introduction of an additional electrical energy and the control of the pulsed jet characteristics, as well as the ability to change the jet power density from 10³ to 10⁷ W cm⁻², the jet temperature from 2×10³ to 3×10⁴ K and its velocity from 600 to 8000 m s⁻¹. A new type of device has been developed. Using this device coatings from α-Al₂O₃ and hard alloy WC(88%)–Co(12%) powders have been produced. Analysis has demonstrated that these coatings are of better quality than those deposited using traditional gas-detonation technology.     

An Investigation into the Corrosion Behavior of MgO/ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Nanocomposite Coatings Prepared by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation on the AZ91 Magnesium Alloy

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of AZ91 Mg alloys was performed in ZrO₂ nanoparticles containing Na₂SiO₃-based electrolytes. The phase composition and the microstructure of PEO coatings were analyzed by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy followed by energy dispersive spectroscopy. Pitting corrosion properties of the coatings were investigated using cyclic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests in a Ringer solution. The results showed the better pitting corrosion resistance of the composite coating, as compared to the oxide one, due to the thickened inner layer and the decrease in the surface defects of the composite coating. Also, the PEO process decreased the corrosion current density from 25.06 µA/cm² in the Mg alloy to 2.7 µA/cm² in the oxide coating and 0.47 µA/cm² in the composite coating.     

Microstructure and Thermal Properties of Nanostructured 8 wt.% CeO2 Doped YSZ Coatings Prepared by Atmospheric Plasma Spraying

Nanostructured 8 wt.% CeO₂-5.4 wt.% Y₂O₃-ZrO₂ (CeYSZ) coatings were prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying technology. The microstructure, thermal diffusivity, and thermal cycle behavior of CeYSZ were investigated. The results show that the as-sprayed nano-CeYSZ coatings consist of tetragonal ZrO₂ and Ce element is in solid solution with ZrO₂. The CeYSZ coatings are characterized by nano-zones (unmelted nanoparticles), melted dense areas, splats, and pores. The thermal diffusivity of nano-CeYSZ coatings is 0.548 × 10^?6 m²/s at room temperature. The addition of CeO₂ decreases the thermal diffusivity of nano-YSZ coatings, which is mainly caused by the point defect scattering and grain-boundary scattering. The thermal cycle life of nano-CeYSZ coatings is about 860 cycles at 1050 °C. The spallation of the coatings occurs at the interface of CeYSZ/TGO.     

Evaporation of Droplets in Plasma Spray–Physical Vapor Deposition Based on Energy Compensation Between Self-Cooling and Plasma Heat Transfer

In the plasma spray–physical vapor deposition process (PS-PVD), there is no obvious heating to the feedstock powders due to the free molecular flow condition of the open plasma jet. However, this is in contrast to recent experiments in which the molten droplets are transformed into vapor atoms in the open plasma jet. In this work, to better understand the heating process of feedstock powders in the open plasma jet of PS-PVD, an evaporation model of molten ZrO₂ is established by examining the heat and mass transfer process of molten ZrO₂. The results reveal that the heat flux in PS-PVD open plasma jet (about 10⁶ W/m²) is smaller than that in the plasma torch nozzle (about 10⁸ W/m²). However, the flying distance of molten ZrO₂ in the open plasma jet is much longer than that in the plasma torch nozzle, so the heating in the open plasma jet cannot be ignored. The results of the evaporation model show that the molten ZrO₂ can be partly evaporated by self-cooling, whereas the molten ZrO₂ with a diameter <0.28 μm and an initial temperature of 3247 K can be completely evaporated within the axial distance of 450 mm by heat transfer.     

Effect of Graphite Addition on Structure and Properties of Ti(CN) Coatings Deposited by Reactive Plasma Spraying

Ti(CN) coatings with graphite addition ranging from 0 to 50 wt.% were prepared using reactive plasma spraying technology and their microstructure, mechanical, and tribological properties were investigated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction analysis, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Vickers microhardness testing, and block-on-ring wear testing. The results showed that graphite addition resulted in crystallite size refinement and an increase in the amount of amorphous phase. The Ti(CN) coatings consisted of a mixture of Ti(CN), graphite, CN _x , and amorphous phases. The hardness first increased then decreased as the graphite content was increased, with a maximum of 1450 HV_0.2 for 30 wt.% graphite addition. The fracture toughness decreased from 4.38 MPa m^1/2 to 2.76 MPa m^1/2 with increasing graphite content. The friction coefficient decreased due to unreacted graphite embedded in the matrix. Also, the wear rate first decreased then increased, with a minimum value of 2.65 × 10^?6 mm³ N^?1 m^?1 for 30 wt.% graphite addition. The wear mechanisms of the Ti(CN) coatings included abrasive, adhesive, and oxidation wear.     

Oxidation and Hot Corrosion Behavior of Plasma-Sprayed MCrAlY–Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Coatings

The oxidation and hot corrosion behavior of two atmospheric plasma-sprayed NiCoCrAlY–Cr₂O₃ and CoNiCrAlY–Cr₂O₃ coatings, which are primarily designed for wear applications at high temperature, were investigated in this study. The two coatings were exposed to air and molten salt (75%Na₂SO₄–25%NaCl) environment at 800 °C under cyclic conditions. Oxidation and hot corrosion kinetic curves were obtained by thermogravimetric technique. X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometry were employed to characterize the coatings’ microstructure, surface oxides, and composition. The results showed that both coatings provided the necessary oxidation resistance with oxidation rates of about 1.03 × 10^?2 and 1.36 × 10^?2 mg/cm² h, respectively. The excellent oxidation behavior of these two coatings is attributed to formation of protective (Ni,Co)Cr₂O₄ spinel on the surface, while as-deposited Cr₂O₃ in the coatings also acted as a barrier to diffusion of oxidative and corrosive substances. The greater presence of Co in the CoNiCrAlY–Cr₂O₃ coating restrained internal diffusion of sulfur and slowed down the coating’s degradation. Thus, the CoNiCrAlY–Cr₂O₃ coating was found to be more protective than the NiCoCrAlY–Cr₂O₃ coating under hot corrosion condition.     

Preparation and Thermophysical Properties of La2Zr2O7 Coatings by Thermal Spraying of an Amorphous Precursor

Free-standing La₂Zr₂O₇ coatings were obtained by plasma spraying, using an amorphous La-O-Zr precursor as the feedstock. The La-O-Zr precursor powder was prepared by coprecipitation. During thermal spraying, the formation of coatings can be regarded as a joint process of melting-solidification, thermal decomposition, and crystallization. The time required for crystal growth was significantly shortened during spraying. Consequently, the average grain size of coatings was approximately 200 nm, with a narrow distribution (100-500 nm). Coatings prepared by this method show better thermophysical properties than those prepared with crystalline La₂Zr₂O₇ powder as the feedstock. The thermal conductivity of the as-sprayed coating was approximately 0.36-0.47 W/m K and the average coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is 11.1 × 10^?6/K.     

Effect of Spraying Powders Size on the Microstructure,Bonding Strength,and Microhardness of MoSi2 Coating Prepared by Air Plasma Spraying

Molybdenum disilicide (MoSi₂) coatings were deposited on carbon steel by air plasma spraying technology with different feedstock powder sizes (i.e., powder A: ?15 + 2.5 μm, powder B: ?30 + 15 μm, powder C: ?54 + 30 μm, powder D: ?74 + 54 μm and powder E: ?106 + 74 μm). Phase composition and microstructure of coatings were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope. The bonding strength and microhardness of coatings were also evaluated. The XRD results show that there exists mutual transformation between T-MoSi₂ and H-MoSi₂ phase and part of Mo-rich phases are formed because of oxidization during the spraying process. With the increase of spraying powders size, the content of Mo-rich phases (Mo or Mo₅Si₃) and molybdenum oxide (MoO₃) in coatings decreases, and that of disilicide-rich phase (MoSi₂) in coatings increases. The oxidation degree of MoSi₂ particle gradually decreases during the spraying process with the increase of spraying powders size. The MoSi₂ is the main phase of the as-sprayed coatings when the spraying powders size is beyond 30 μm. With the increase of spraying powders size, the porosity of the as-sprayed coating increases, and the bonding strength of the coating gradually decreases. The hardness of coatings first increases and then decreases with the increase of spraying powders size.     

Corrosion Testing of Ni Alloy HVOF Coatings in High Temperature Environments for Biomass Applications

This paper reports the corrosion behavior of Ni alloy coatings deposited by high velocity oxyfuel spraying, and representative boiler substrate alloys in simulated high temperature biomass combustion conditions. Four commercially available oxidation resistant Ni alloy coating materials were selected: NiCrBSiFe, alloy 718, alloy 625, and alloy C-276. These were sprayed onto P91 substrates using a JP5000 spray system. The corrosion performance of the coatings varied when tested at ~525, 625, and 725 °C in K₂SO₄-KCl mixture and gaseous HCl-H₂O-O₂ containing environments. Alloy 625, NiCrBSiFe, and alloy 718 coatings performed better than alloy C-276 coating at 725 °C, which had very little corrosion resistance resulting in degradation similar to uncoated P91. Alloy 625 coatings provided good protection from corrosion at 725 °C, with the performance being comparable to wrought alloy 625, with significantly less attack of the substrate than uncoated P91. Alloy 625 performs best of these coating materials, with an overall ranking at 725 °C as follows: alloy 625 > NiCrBSiFe > alloy 718 ? alloy C-276. Although alloy C-276 coatings performed poorly in the corrosion test environment at 725 °C, at lower temperatures (i.e., below the eutectic temperature of the salt mixture) it outperformed the other coating types studied.     

Preparation of Nanocomposite GDC/LSCF Cathode Material for IT-SOFC by Induction Plasma Spraying

Homogeneous mixtures of Ce_0.8Gd_0.2O_1.9 (GDC) and La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O₃ (LSCF) nanopowders were successfully synthesized using induction plasma by axial injection of a solution. The resulting nanocomposite powders consisted of two kinds of nanopowders with different mass ratio of GDC/LSCF, such as 3/7 and 6/4. The morphological features, crystallinity, and the phases of the synthesized powders were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), local energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The nanopowders are almost globular in shape with a diameter smaller than 100 nm and their BET specific areas are around 20 m² g^?1. The GDC and LSCF phases are well distributed in the nanopowders. In addition, suspensions, made with the as-synthesized composite nanopowders and ethanol, were used to deposit cathode coatings using suspension plasma spray (SPS). Micro-nanostructures of the coatings are discussed. The coatings are homogeneous and porous (51% porosity) with cauliflower structures.     

Manufacturing and Properties of High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF)-Sprayed FeVCrC Coatings

This paper studies the microstructure, sliding wear behavior and corrosion resistance of high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF)-sprayed FeVCrC-based coatings. Various process parameters were tested to evaluate their effects on the coating properties, which were also compared to those of HVOF-sprayed NiCrBSi and Stellite-6 coatings. The Fe alloy coatings are composed of flattened splats, originating from molten droplets and consisting of a super-saturated solid solution, together with rounded particles, coming from partially unmolten material and containing V- and Fe-based carbide precipitates. All process parameters, apart from “extreme” settings with excess comburent in the flame, produce dense coatings, indicating that the feedstock powder is quite easily processable by HVOF. These coatings, with a microhardness of 650-750 HV_0.3, exhibit wear rates of ≈2 × 10^?6 mm³/(Nm) in ball-on-disk tests against sintered Al₂O₃ spheres. They perform far better than the reference coatings, and better than other Fe- and Ni-based alloy coatings tested in previous research. On the other hand, the corrosion resistance of the coating material (tested by electrochemical polarization in 0.1 M HCl solution) is quite low. Even in the absence of interconnected porosity, this results in extensive, selective damage to the Fe-based matrix. This coating material is therefore unadvisable for severely corrosive environments.     

Isothermal Oxidation Comparison of Three Ni-Based Superalloys

Ni-based superalloys are used for high-temperature components of gas turbines in both industrial and aerospace applications due to their ability to maintain dimensional stability under conditions of high stress and strain. The oxidation resistance of these alloys often dictates their service lifetime. This study focuses on the isothermal oxidation behavior of three Ni-based superalloys, namely, polycrystalline cast IN738LC, single-crystal N5, and a ternary Ni-Fe-Cr (TAS) powder metallurgy alloy. The isothermal oxidation tests were conducted at 900 °C in the static air up to 1000 h, and the specific aspects studied were the oxidation behavior of these chromia-forming and alumina-forming alloys that are used extensively in industry. In particular, the behavior of oxide scale growth and subsurface changes were analyzed in detail using various techniques such as SEM, EDS, and AFM. From the isothermal oxidation kinetics, the oxidation rate constant, k _p, was calculated for each alloy and found to be; k _p = 2.79 × 10^?6 mg² cm^?4 s^?1 for IN738LC, k _p = 1.42 × 10^?7 mg² cm^?4 s^?1 for N5 and k _p = 1.62 × 10^?7 mg² cm^?4 s^?1 for TAS. Based on a microstructural analysis, IN738LC exhibited a continuous dense outer scale of Cr₂O₃ and discontinuous inner scale of Al₂O₃, whereas N5 and TAS showed a dense outer scale of Al₂O₃ alone. The results suggested that the N5 and PM-TAS alloys are more oxidation resistant than the IN738LC under these conditions.     

Yb<Subscript>2</Subscript>Si<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> Environmental Barrier Coatings Deposited by Various Thermal Spray Techniques: A Preliminary Comparative Study

Dense, crack-free, uniform, and well-adhered environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) are required to enhance the environmental durability of silicon (Si)-based ceramic matrix composites in high pressure, high gas velocity combustion atmospheres. This paper represents an assessment of different thermal spray techniques for the deposition of Yb₂Si₂O₇ EBCs. The Yb₂Si₂O₇ coatings were deposited by means of atmospheric plasma spraying (APS), high-velocity oxygen fuel spraying (HVOF), suspension plasma spraying (SPS), and very low-pressure plasma spraying (VLPPS) techniques. The initial feedstock, as well as the deposited coatings, were characterized and compared in terms of their phase composition. The as-sprayed amorphous content, microstructure, and porosity of the coatings were further analyzed. Based on this preliminary investigation, the HVOF process stood out from the other techniques as it enabled the production of vertical crack-free coatings with higher crystallinity in comparison with the APS and SPS techniques in atmospheric conditions. Nevertheless, VLPPS was found to be the preferred process for the deposition of Yb₂Si₂O₇ coatings with desired characteristics in a controlled-atmosphere chamber.