Abstract
A computational model of the effect of the tail end of the flame on the temperature of polymer coatings during thermal spraying is presented. The low thermal conductivity of polymers results in a substantial build up of temperature at the surface of the coating and large temperature gradients are developed throughout its thickness. This is particularly problematic for polymer deposition owing to their low decomposition temperatures. The model quantifies the heat transfer from the impinging flame and the in-coming feedstock particles to the coating and the subsequent heat flow into the substrate and surroundings. The work shows that the heat input from the in-coming particles can be neglected in first-order computations. The scanning action of the flame across the substrate is simulated and the temperature profiles within the coating and substrate are calculated. The predictions are consistent with the experimental measurements. The model shows that overheating of polymer coatings can readily occur during combustion flame spraying and indicates remedial measures.