Powder Spheroidization Using Induction Plasma Technology

An experimental study of the spheroidization efficiency of induction plasma processes was completed. The main objective being to obtain models which could be subsequently used for the prediction of the spheroidization efficiency for various powders and plasma operating conditions. Silica, alumina, chromium oxide and zirconia powders were treated during the experimentation. For the plasma treatment of the powders the installation used had a maximum available power of 50 kW with an operating frequency of 3 MHz. Operating conditions were varied such to minimize side reactions and the evaporation of powders. The resulting powders did show the presence of cavities and a slight change in the mean diameters. The maximum energy efficiency based semi-empirical model did predict the spheroidization efficiency of the particles beyond a defined critical point known as the maximum energy efficiency point. For the model, the maximum energy efficiency is distinct for the individual powders but remain within a defined range which is reflected in the small variations in the Z constant.

An Overview of Compressor Abradables

Very many gap-sealing products are now available for use in the compressor section of gas turbines. This paper attempts to give an overview of these and where they are best used. Data is presented for abradability, erosion resistance and application technique. By explaining how abradables function tribologically it is hoped that selection will be simpler for designers. New products are introduced as well as the way forward described. It is shown how with time the diversity of application techniques has decreased with thermal spraying becoming the preferred technique, and that abradables are now available to run against titanium blading up to 600°C.

Evaluation of CeSZ Thermal Barrier Coatings for Diesels

The development of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) for diesel engines has been driven by the potential improvements in engine power and fuel efficiency that TBCs represent. TBCs have been employed for many years to reduce corrosion of valves and pistons because of their high temperature durability and thermal insulative properties. There are research programs to improve TBCs wear resistance to allow for its use in tribologically intensive areas of the engine. This paper will present results from tribological tests of ceria stabilized zirconia (CeSZ). The CeSZ was applied by atmospheric plasma spray process. Various mechanical and thermal properties were measured including wear, coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, and microhardness. The results show the potential use of CeSZ in wear sensitive applications in diesel applications. Keywords: Thermal Barrier Coating, Diesel Engine, Wear, Thermal Conductivity, and Thermal Expansion

Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of HVOF Sprayed 316L Stainless Steel and Ni Base Alloy Coatings

316L stainless steel and Hastelloy C alloy powders were sprayed by an HVOF apparatus onto mild steel substrates. The microstructure, pore size distribution, composition and corrosion resistance of thus obtained coatings were evaluated experimentally. Corrosion resistance in sea-water was examined by monitoring the impedance and corrosion potential of samples immersed in artificial sea-water at 300 K over a period of more than 3 months and also by polarization measurement. It was found that the stainless coatings composed mainly of plastically deformed particles and some splats which were molten at the impact. By increasing the combustion pressure, the porosity as measured by mercury porosimeter could be reduced to below 1%. In comparison, Hastelloy C deposits sprayed under the standard condition were so dense that its porosity could not be measured by the porosimeter. The polarization curve and the results of impedance monitoring both exemplified that the Hastelloy C coatings possess much superior corrosion resistance to the stainless coatings in sea-water, which was attributed to the higher density and better adhesion of the Ni-base alloy coatings.

Simulation of Thermal Spray Process Based on Particle Tracing Method

As applications of thermal spray processes are expanding, the importance of computer-aided design systems and computer-aided engineering systems for these processes has been growing. The principal objective of this study is to propose a new analytic method for the prediction of coating thickness and deposition efficiency. This method is called the particle tracing method and is based on the Monte Carlo simulation method. In order to evaluate the validity of this model, several tests were carried out. The same stainless steel 316L layers coated by the HP/HVOF process (TAFA JP-5000) were used throughout each test. First, spray patterns were observed which had formed on flat-plate specimens from various spray gun angles. Coating thickness distributions on several curved planes were consequently investigated. Finally, the coating process for a blade of a compressor in a gas turbine was simulated. In the right of the results of these experiments, it is summarized that the calculated values of the coating thickness obtained by our method are in good agreement with experimental values. The accuracy is within 10% of the maximum thickness value in each specimen, except for at the edge of the work-piece. In conclusion, the particle-tracing method can be applied to the fundamental analytic model in the CAD or CAE system for thermal spray processes.

Plasma Sprayed Ultra High Temperature Ceramics for Thermal Protection Systems

Reusable space vehicles, which must withstand re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, require external protection systems (TPS) which are usually in the forms of rigid surface in areas of high or moderate working temperature. High heat fluxes and temperatures related to high performance hypervelocity flights also require the use of TPS materials having good oxidation and thermal shock resistance, dimensional stability, and ablation resistance. Components by these materials are usually fabricated, starting from either billets or plate stocks, by uniaxial hot pressing, and complex parts, such as low radius edges, are then obtained by electrical discharge machining technique. This article investigates an alternative fabrication technology, based on plasma spraying, to produce near net shape components. Results of experimental activities, such as optimization of plasma spraying parameters based on a DOE approach, are reported and discussed.

Thermally Sprayed Quasicrystal Composite Coatings for Bearings and Other Friction Threaded Applications

Quasicrystalline phases improve many alloy properties such as thermomechanical stability, thermal and electrical conductivity, and tribological performance. High hardness, however, is accompanied by brittleness, an undesired property in many applications. Reduced brittleness can be achieved by embedding quasicrystalline phases in a more ductile material, forming a metal-matrix composite that retains some quasicrystalline properties. This study evaluates thermally sprayed coatings made from different compositions of such composites. The coatings assessed were produced by arc-wire, HVOF, and atmospheric plasma spraying using various forms of feed material, including blended, agglomerated, chemical encased, and attrition-milled powders and filled wires. The investigation involved metallurgical analysis, proving the existence of quasicrystal content and assessing the matrix phase, and tests showing how sliding wear is influenced by the composition of quasicrystalline phases.

Plasma Arc Spraying of Cu-Ti-Zr-Ni Amorphous Alloys

A brief feasibility study was performed to produce thermal spray coatings using gas atomized powders of Cu47Ti34-xZr11Ni8Six, where x=0 and 1. These alloys have previously been shown to be capable of forming metallic glasses having thick (1-2 cm) cross sections because they can be cooled from the melt at relatively low cooling rates (e.g., 100-102Ks-1). The properties of these metallic glasses include high strength, high elasticity and high fracture toughness. Amorphous plasma arc sprayed coatings were produced which were close in composition to the starting powders, and exhibited comparable glass transition and crystallization behavior. The amorphous structure of the as-sprayed coatings was used as a source for forming a range of partially devitrified and fully crystallized structures. The average hardness of the coatings increased from around 6 GPa to near 10 GPa as the degree of crystallization increased.

Plasma Spheroidized Alumina/Zircon Mixtures

The plasma-spray process is specified by the associated processing parameters, where these influence the properties of the resultant deposits. This article describes the preparation and processing of composite powders for use in thermal spraying by mixing high purity zircon and alumina powders. The spheroidized powder were obtained by high energy ball milling and rapid solidification from the molten state during plasma spraying. The article discusses the processes involved in spray drying and plasma spheroidization, describing thermal analysis and mullitization kinetics in the spheroidized alumina/zircon mixtures.

Plasma Technology TRIPLEX for the Deposition of Ceramic Coatings in the Industry

As a new plasma gun technology the TRIPLEX system has been introduced in the industrial field two years ago. The core of the TRIPLEX technology is a plasma gun with three cathodes and a long cascaded nozzle consisting of several insulated rings. Only the last ring with a relatively long distance to the cathode is operated as anode. Because of the equal and constant lengths of the three independent arcs, stretching from the three cathodes to the common anode, a stationary plasma jet is generated. Compared to conventional torches, the improved stability of the plasma jet allows a more uniform powder treatment and a higher deposition efficiency as well as the powder feed rate can be increased using a triple injection system. A significantly longer life time of the electrodes reduces the cost for quality control in the coating process. The characteristic properties of oxide ceramic coatings are improved in comparison with the coatings produced by conventional plasma torches. The results of two years industrial application of the innovative torch system TRIPLEX are presented in the paper.