A micro-plasma system was investigated for its capability in additive manufacturing (AM). Micro-plasma AM system has the advantage of lower cost and higher deposition rate over the laser-based AM systems, and generates leaner and cleaner weld deposit than other arc-based AM systems. However, the microplasma system is complex and involves a large number of process variables. In this study, the effects of two arc and wire feed modes on dimensional consistency and hardness were firstly examined. Subsequently, one set of the specimens was further subjected to oxidation tests and the results were compared to that from conventional wrought Inconel 718. It was found that all four processes could produce crack free samples without measurable distortion. Some surface discoloration was observed, ranging from light straw to a purple tint. After heat treatment, the hardness of the samples varies from 403 to 440 HV, with the transverse surface showing slightly lower hardness values. The oxidation tests at 900 °C yielded similar weight change for AM Inconel 718 and its counterpart wrought alloy; however, the rate constant for wrought alloy was slightly higher. Microstructural analysis with SEM and EDS revealed a dendritic structure in the AM Inconel 718 and the presence of Nb-rich compounds in the interdendritic region. The polycrystal grain structure was not delineated in AM material as that in wrought 718. With the increase of exposure time, the oxide layer continues to increase at a higher rate, along with a sublayer of Ni 3 Nb above the metal substrate. In addition, after 200 hours, the wrought alloy developed porous chromia, while AM material exhibited uneven oxide thickness. In consideration of all aspects of the evaluation carried out thus far, it is concluded that the AM material produced by micro-plasma process is equivalent to wrought material in mechanical properties and oxidation performance.

Our previous experiments with low-cost steel substrates confirmed that individual steps of conventional thermal barrier coating (TBC) deposition may influence fatigue properties of the coated samples differently. In this study, testing was carried out for TBC samples deposited on industrially more relevant Hastelloy X substrates. Samples were tested after each step of TBC deposition process: as-received (non-coated), grit-blasted, bond-coated (NiCoCrAlY) and bondcoated + top-coated (yttria-stabilized zirconia - YSZ). Conventional atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) with gas stabilized plasma torch was used for deposition of both bond coat and top coat. In addition, for one half of the samples, bond coat was prepared by consecutive combination of HVAF (High Velocity Air Fuel) and APS processes. Samples were tested both in as-sprayed condition and after 100 hours annealing at 980 °C, which simulated in-service conditions. Obtained results showed that different fatigue performance may be expected for various stages of the TBC deposition as well as due to the variation of the deposition process and sample temperature history.

The dry sliding wear behaviour of two HVOF-sprayed Fe-Cr-Ni-Si-B-C (Colferoloy) alloy coatings was studied by ball-on-disk tests performed at room temperature (against alumina and 100Cr6 steel balls), at 400 °C and at 700 °C (against alumina balls only). HVOF-sprayed Ni-Cr-Fe-B-Si-C and Cr 3 C 2 -NiCr layers were also tested for comparison. Under all test conditions, the wear rate of the Colferoloy coatings is lower than that of the Ni-Cr-Fe-B-Si-C coating but larger than that of the Cr 3 C 2 -NiCr cermet. Specifically, at room temperature, the Colferoloy coatings exhibit a combination of mild abrasion, delamination and tribo-oxidative wear against alumina, whereas, against steel, they undergo very limited delamination with negligible wear loss. By contrast, the Ni-Cr-Fe-B-Si-C coating suffers larger wear against steel and undergoes more severe abrasive grooving against alumina. Although the Colferoloy and Ni- Cr-Fe-B-Si-C coatings possess similar microstructure and micro-hardness, their scratch behaviours, which depend on cracking resistance and plastic deformability, differ, thus explaining the micromechanical reason for the different wear mechanisms. At 400°C and 700°C, all of the metal alloy coatings are softened and suffer more severe abrasive grooving; by contrast, the behaviour of the Cr 3 C 2 -NiCr layer at 700 °C is controlled by the formation and delamination of an oxidised layer.

In order to increase the wear and corrosion resistance of 0.45% C surface steel layers, a multilayer coating was tested by injection of a powder with 8.9% Cr, 4.5% Fe, 5.1% B, 2.4% Al, 0.6% Cu and all remainder of Ni in the melted bath produced using a CO 2 continuous wave laser. To determine the optimal melting regime, the layers obtained by different laser conditions were characterized by macro and microstructure analysis, as well as a phase qualitative analysis by X-ray diffractometry and microhardness analysis.

Various low-temperature abradable coatings for applications reaching 482°C were evaluated with the purpose of being applied onto the compressor spacers of an 11 MW land-based gas turbine engine. The coating is intended to reduce the compressor rotor tip-clearance, and is expected to increase the compressor efficiency by a range of 0.5 to 1%. This study evaluated physical and metallurgical characteristics, abradable and oxidation-resistance properties of plasma-sprayed AlSi-BN, NiCrFeAl-BN and quasicrystal AlCuFeCr, and flame-and plasma-sprayed NiCrFeAl-BN.