Processing Quasicrystalline Powders to Produce Variable and Unique Coating Properties

Quasicrystals are materials whose structure cannot be understood within classic crystallographic methodology. Quasiperiodic structures have a long-range orientation order but lack transitional periodicity. This non-periodic structure gives quasicrystals a unique range of physical properties including: poor thermal conductivity; excellent crystallographic stability up to their melting point; can be thermally sprayed to display either wear resistant or abradable characteristics; possess excellent release properties (low coefficient of friction); and, they are non-work hardenable. This effort describes parametric conditions utilized to deposit coatings of identical parent metal chemistry but with vastly different end properties.