In order to properly characterize the entire deposition process, evaluation of the coating, including a reliable metallographic preparation technique which reveals the true microstructure, must be performed. Often, recommended metallographic sample preparation methods for thermally sprayed coatings are generic and are not tailored to specific materials. They are time-consuming and, in some cases, may provide inaccurate details (pull-outs, smearing, etc). This could lead to a wrong interpretation of the coating quality. The aim of the investigation was to develop new metallographic sample preparation procedures tailored to different types of coatings (metallic, ceramic, multilayer and composites), in order to reveal a more representative microstructure. A comparative study of different preparation procedures for the examination of various as-sprayed coatings is presented using an optical microscope. The coatings were deposited by atmospheric and vacuum plasma spray (APS and VPS) and high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) processes. A separate approach is recommended for choosing the right metallographic preparation procedure for ceramic, metallic, or composite coatings. Applied load and positioning of the mounted sample during preparation are identified as key factors in developing proper procedures. The microhardness of the coating must be considered when determining the applied load. Interesting practical trends in preparation procedures that may lead to superior coating representation and, in some instances, cost and time savings are presented.
Zirconia-based thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), produced using Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS) technology, were recently subjected to burner rig testing. The VPS TBC performance was compared to TBCs deposited using conventional Atmospheric Plasma Sprayed (APS) and Electron Beam Physical Vapor Deposition (EB-PVD) techniques. All of the coatings consisted of an MCrAlY bond coat and a partially stabilized ZrO2-8%Y2O3 (PSZ) top coat. The TBC coated pins (6.35 mm in diameter) were tested using gas temperatures ranging from 110CC to 1500°C. The pins were tested to failure under severe conditions (1500°C gas temperature, with no internal cooling). The initial testing indicated that under typical operating gas temperatures (1400°C), the VPS TBC performance was comparable, if not superior, to conventional TBCs. Following the encouraging results, thick composite TBCs, produced in a single-step operation, were investigated. Preliminary work on ZrO2-8% Y2O3/Ca2SiO4 composite TBCs with interlayer grading included thermal shock testing and temperature drop measurements across the TBC. The composite TBC thicknesses ranged from 850µm to 1.8 mm. Initial results indicate that thick adherent composite TBCs, with high resistance to severe thermal shock, can be produced in a single step using the VPS process.
PyroGenesis Inc. has developed a unique Vacuum Plasma Spraying (VPS) near-net-shape forming process for the production of multilayered free-standing components. Initial evaluation on the feasibility of applying this process for the production of gas turbine engine components has been performed. The VPS near-net-shape forming process consists of: selecting an appropriate mold material; preconditioning of mold surface ; depositing metallic, ceramic, or composite layers ; and removing mold from the spray-formed structure. The near-net-shape components are heat treated to improve their mechanical properties. A suitable heat treatment cycle was developed for the VPS-applied superalloy. Much of the recent improvements in gas turbine engine performance has been attributed to the introduction of thermal barrier coatings (TBC) for superalloy components. There exist, however, some limitations in current fabrication methods for closed hot-section components: less than ideal coating quality; welding; limited choice of superalloy material; etc... PyroGenesis has used VPS near-net-shape forming to fabricate closed components with an yttria-stabilized-zirconia inner layer, CoNiCrA1Y bond coat, and IN-738LC outer layer. The results from the initial study demonstrate the feasibility of producing near-net-shape components with good coating structures, superior superalloy materials, and the absence welds. The mold was reusable after minor surface conditioning. The TBC showed uniform thickness and microstructure with a smooth surface finish. The bond coat and structural superalloy layers were very dense with no signs of oxidation at the interface. After heat treatment, the mechanical properties of the IN-738LC compare favourably to cast materials.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.