The aim of the research project is to combine repair brazing with protective coating against hot-gas corrosion into a common integrated process. Both the braze-metal as well as the hot-gas corrosion protection coating is applied by means of thermal spraying. The material layout is to be realized as far as possible to the near net shape by using thermal spraying. The processes are to be performed in such a way that the brazing is integrated into the CVD diffusion annealing process as a transient liquid phase bonding (TLP bonding) process which, as a consequence, can then be eliminated as a separate processing step. The thermal spraying processes of atmospheric plasma spraying (APS), high velocity oxygen fuel spraying (HVOF) and cold gas spraying (CGS) are to be qualified for this purpose. Thus the project working hypothesis is to be able to transform thermal coating and joining processes into a common integrated hybrid process and, in doing so, obtain both high-quality and economic advantages. The importance of combining these processes lies in reducing the effort of grinding as well as economizing on the vacuum brazing, which is currently a separate process step, and consequently lowering the production costs.

The main goal of this work is to improve the coating properties of three-cathode atmospheric plasma sprayed coatings with respect to porosity and residual stresses. This was done by use of numerical simulation coupled with advanced diagnostic methods. A numerical model for the triple injection of alumina feedstock, as well as acceleration and heating of the powder particles in the characteristic threefold symmetrical plasma jet cross section produced by a three-cathode-plasma torch was developed. The modeling results for the standard injector’s position “0” were calculated and experimentally verified by Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA). Based on the criteria defined for concentrated feedstock transport and homogeneous thermal treatment of powder particles in the plasma jet, the optimal injection position was found. In the next step a previously developed, coupled CFD-FEM-simulation model was used for simulations of the coating build-up, describing flattening, solidification and deformation due to shrinkage for alumina particles on a rough substrate surface.

Up to now no coating systems are marketable in the field of direct hot extrusion, which provide both surface protection of the parts being in contact to the billet (i.e. container and die), and a significant reduction of the frictional losses being induced by the billet passing along the container walls. To dispense the use of lubricants and to enhance the usable forming capacity of the process, different oxide ceramics were given in one suspension and plasma sprayed. The aim is to reach a mixing of the feedstock to obtain deterministic solid solutions of the oxide phases which show a reduction of their coefficient of friction under dry sliding conditions. To reach this goal the high surface-to-volume ratio of feedstock with primary particle sizes below 100 nm was used. By means of X-ray diffraction it could be proven, that the desired phases could be synthesized. The coatings showed a considerable lowering of their frictional coefficient in tribological testings against 100Cr6 in the region of the operation temperatures for the hot extrusion of aluminium alloys. Besides the experimental work the fundamentals of the mixing process of different oxides regarding crystallographic aspects are discussed.

The goal of this research group is to homogenize properties of three-cathode plasma sprayed coatings on basis of numerical simulations and advanced diagnostics. Results of the first project phase as well as an outlook to future work are presented. A numerical model for investigation of plasma flow in the free jet, produced by three-cathode torch was developed. Modelling results are verified by plasma diagnostics (Computer Tomography). In order to include particle shrinking effects, coating formation simulation is accomplished by a newly developed model, based on Computational Fluid Dynamics coupled with the Finite Element method, whereat diagnostics carried out in the fields of particle diagnostics. During the next phase of the project, the investigation of the plasma free jet and particle injection by advanced diagnostics and simulation respectively is scheduled. In a subsequent stage the transition from conventional particles to suspensions will be considered. Coating formation simulations are scaled up to dimensions of macroscopic tensile tests. By combining these overarching investigations, appropriate process parameters for homogenized coatings will be obtained.

When plasma spraying operations require high throughput, three-cathode guns may be specified due to their stationary plasma jet and elevated power characteristics, higher feeding rates, and adequate deposition efficiencies compared to one-cathode guns. A new three-anode gun system has been introduced to the market that offers a combination of high power inputs into the plasma as well as stable process conditions. These new guns feature a narrower nozzle outlet diameter compared to multi-cathode designs and they can be used with hydrogen as secondary plasma gas. Both of these characteristics result in higher plasma velocities and net powers. The conceptional designs for two such guns are discussed as well as their suitability for suspension and shrouded plasma spraying.

In the area of atmospheric plasma spraying, newly-developed triple-cathode technologies offer the potential to homogenize the coating properties with respect to porosity and residual stresses. Focused on numerical simulation, combined with advanced diagnostics, the goal of this research group is to adjust these properties systematically. A numerical model that couples fluid dynamic, electro-magnetic and thermal phenomena for a three-cathode torch was developed to investigate the plasma and the electric arc behaviour inside the torch. With help of self-developed computer tomography equipment, which is based on emission spectroscopy, combined with the solution of the Saha equation in thermodynamical equilibrium, it is now possible to reconstruct the 3- dimensional temperature distribution close to the torch outlet. This measurement allows us to confirm the torch numerical modelling. Coating formation is simulated by coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and FEM simulation, so that fluid structure interaction is taken into account. This innovative approach has the advantage to predict residual stresses which occur during cooling and moreover the shrinking effects can be considered. By simulation of the individual regions, in combination with experimental results, which also include the particle velocity, diameter and surface temperature, the corresponding process parameters can be obtained for the desired coating properties.

In this study, suspension plasma spraying is used to produce self-lubricating titanium oxide coatings. Certain nonstoichiometric titanium oxide phases, called Magneli phases, exhibit a reduction in friction under dry sliding conditions at elevated temperatures. These phases, however, tend to undergo crystal changes during thermal spraying, resulting in the loss of their good friction behavior. In this work, the goal is to stabilize these phases with suitable lattice substitutions for Ti 4+ . The resulting phases are shown to be homologous to Ti n O 2 n -1 , but have the advantages of a three-component system, making them more thermally stable with a broader area of formation.

In order to homogenize the properties of APS sprayed coatings, the spray process was investigated using numerical simulations combined with innovative diagnostic techniques. The process was subdivided into three areas: the plasma torch, the free jet, and coating formation. By simulating these areas separately and combining the results, appropriate process parameters for homogenized coatings were obtained. For a comprehensive computation of coating formation which, besides the impact, flattening, and solidification of particles, includes the mechanical properties of the coating, a volume of fluid algorithm is coupled with a finite element model. In order to verify the modeling of the plasma jet and to provide input data for the coating formation, diagnostic efforts were concentrated on measuring the gas temperature of the plasma as well as particle shape, velocity, and temperature. The results of spatially resolved 3D analysis employing an innovative tomography system are presented and compared with the numerical results.

Thermal spraying for joining and filling of aluminum substrates under atmospheric conditions represents an enrichment in soldering technology. In a respective process, rod-, wire- or cored wire type, zinc-aluminum-based spray materials are applied for joining components or area filling of substrate and fused simultaneously. The advantages, in contrast to soldering, result from the direct application of the spray material, in particular also in constraint positions, and an uncomplex processing, which enables a conditioned inline capability and the use as a comparatively simple procedure for construction-site services or repairs. The aluminum substrate surface and spray material passivation, which would prevent a successful fusing, can be effectively suppressed by the use of a flux in the cored wires as well as straight on the substrates or a brushing activation.

High velocity oxyfuel flame spraying (HVOF) has a great potential for replacing the low pressure plasma spraying (LPPS) process in most applications for hot corrosion protective MCrAlY coatings for turbine hot gas path parts. Compared to LPPS coatings, state-of-the-art HVOF sprayed MCrAlY coating systems feature competitive hot corrosion protective properties. Low HVOF facilities investment costs and a stable, easy process controlling are major advantages in terms of application. Besides hot corrosion protective single layers, MCrAlY coating systems are used as bond coats for ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBC). But HVOF sprayed MCrAlY coatings show a comparatively low surface roughness which leads to a poor adhesion of the ceramic top layer, restricting the application area of HVOF. This paper deals with a development project which aims on roughness enhancement of HVOF sprayed MCrAlY coatings in order to improve the bonding properties of the TBC. In the project’s framework, several HVOF systems and different powders were investigated. Parameter sets were developed considering both a high surface roughness and a low level of defects in the coating.

The Goal of this research project is the development of a thermal spray technique for production of layers with high SiC content. Due to its physicochemical characteristics, silicon carbide (SiC) is a material which is particularly well suited as a component of wear-protection layers [1]. In thermal spray, however, silicon carbide can not be processed easily, since it disintegrates and sublimates into the gaseous phase at the prevailing high process temperatures under atmospheric conditions. In this project, SiC-phases of the spray layers are to be in-situ synthesized from silicon and carbon-containing substances during the spray process. Silicon containing solids are to be brought into reaction with carbon-containing solids, liquids and gases. For economic reasons, this technique is aimed at using low-priced basic materials to be processed by flame- and plasma spraying techniques with only slight modifications to existing atmospheric spraying equipment; thus the said SiC coatings might become an alternative to assigned hard material coatings. In this first step the technologic-mechanical potential and thus the feasibility and usability of a yet to develop coating system by different synthesis routes should be evaluated.

The Sulzer Metco Triplex II gun marks a new generation of three cathode plasma guns. In opposition to conventional single cathode guns, it features a stationary plasma jet. Liquid precursors, wire- and powder shaped spray materials were processed with a modified Triplex II gun under controlled atmosphere and characteristics of the obtained coatings were investigated. A new shroud system was developed to handle susceptible to oxidation and reactive materials such as Ti and B 4 C. A conception of a wire conveyance system enables the handling of three wires of titanium simultaneously. Furthermore a liquid spray material feed system, for the generation of Al 2 O 3 -coating with low porosity based on nanoparticle suspensions, was developed and built. All coatings, which were manufactured by the different procedures, are characterized comprehensively by means of optical microscopy (OM) including interactive image analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with attached electron dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) system, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microhardness.

Thermal sprayed coatings often need to be removed for maintenance, repair or recycling and are accomplished by various conventional methods such as grinding, abrasive blasting and chemical removal processes. The coating removal for repair is typically done for expensive and/or very complex parts. Parts of turbines, equipped with functional coatings, are stripped for inspection and repair as well as old coatings are renewed. When removing a thermal sprayed coating, damage to the part or ablation of the substrate must be avoided. A new process of dry ice blasting alone as well as in combination with a laser beam in a hybrid process has been approved for the removal of thermal sprayed coatings in a project aided by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment via the Federation of Industrial Research Associations (AIF). The aim of the project is to obtain the properties for the comparison and benchmarking of coating removal processes. Comparative studies have been made with the water jet and the abrasive water jet process at the Institute of Materials Science of the University of Hanover.

An important growth potential in thermal spraying industry consists of the development of new coating materials. Metal- or Ceramic-Matrix-Composites (MMC / CMC) are of special interest due to a variety of properties which can be influenced particularly by the ratio of matrix and reinforcing material. Thermal sprayed coating properties mainly depend on thermal and kinetic energy of the spray particles. An increase in thermal energy of sprayed particles can be obtained by Self Propagating High Temperature Synthesis (SHS) reaction between components of the spray material. Hence a higher adhesive strength, a lower porosity and an increased deposition efficiency can be expected. Aluminium-based spray materials, containing metal oxides, are suitable for the Self Propagating High Temperature Synthesis to produce MMC-coatings. For good contact between the reactants, powders of aluminium and chromium oxide for plasma spraying were prepared by mechanical alloying. Coatings characterization results on the base of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray structure analysis (XRD) and measurements of velocity and temperature with a DPV2000 system. The plasma spraying process combined with SHS reaction of the spray material leads to raised enthalpy of spray particles combined with an increased ad-/cohesive strength and a lower porosity as well as an increased deposition efficiency.

The technical and economical potential of innovative materials is gaining growing interest for technologically orientated companies. The use of lightweight materials is an extremely important consideration, especially when designing moving components (e. g. in aerospace, automotive or machine construction). Magnesium is a promising alternative to other lightweight materials, such as aluminum and titanium, due to its relatively high specific strength and stiffness. Further advantages are high thermal conductivity and good joining and machining capabilities. However, the use of magnesium alloys is restricted by relatively poor wear behavior and corrosion resistance. In order to overcome the limitations associated with magnesium alloys, a project was founded by the Materials Science Institute (MSI), at the RWTH Aachen, and the Institute of Materials Science (IW), at the University of Hannover, to deal with the application of wear and corrosion protective coatings on Mg alloys by means of thermal spraying. A variety of coating materials were applied on Mg substrates using several thermal spray processes (like Arc Spray and HVOF). The coatings were then characterized particularly with regard to their wear and corrosion properties. To further enhance the overall corrosion resistance two additional approaches were investigated. On the one hand various duplex coating systems were designed and applied. With the objective of decreasing the open porosity coatings were either densified by shot peening or sealed by applying organic sealers on the other hand.

The use of modern thermal spraying techniques for filler metal application may offer new solutions for brazing complex metal components without fluxing agents, when the spraying processes are fitted to the requirements of the following brazing process. The necessary coating parameters always depend on the kind of base material, the geometry of the joint, the used filler metal, and the chosen heating process for brazing (heating in vacuum or protective atmosphere furnaces, inductive or flame heating etc.). Copper and nickel based alloys are typical filler metals for brazing complex components made of stainless steel (heat exchanger, fuel pipe systems, exhaust systems, catalytic devices etc.). Using these examples, the results of brazing experiments and technical aspects of thermally sprayed braze coatings compared with conventional filler metal application techniques are discussed.

This presentation gives an overview of a research project of the Institute of Materials Science at the University of Hannover (Germany) focussed on under water plasma spraying (UPS). The aim of this project is to qualify the process for the application of corrosion protective coatings. UPS could be used for maintenance of underwater constructions. Another field of application can be seen in an alternative for atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) in coating shops. Water is an excellent filter for noise and UV radiation. Furthermore, particle polluted water could quite easily be refined so that UPS could show environmental advantages compared to APS. The UPS process is characterized by a low standoff distance and therefore a small plasma spot. A very promising modification of the standard UPS process, which is examined in this project, is shrouded underwater plasma spraying (S-UPS). By adding the shroud to the underwater plasma spray device a large defined cavity could be build up so that spray distances comparable to APS are possible. By variation of the shroud gas in terms of air or inert gas it is possible to reach comparable or even better coating properties then using an APS process.

This paper presents selected research results of the DFG founded project group, consisting of four institutes focusing on diagnostic methods in thermal coating processes. The aim of this group is to characterize the Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS) process by means of diagnostic methods so that – based on the requirement profile of the coating – appropriate adjusting of the process parameters can be realized. For this purpose, different diagnostic tools like Particle Shape Imaging, Laser Doppler Anemometry, Schlieren Technique, Particle Image Velocimetry, Enthalpy Probe, DPV 2000 and Thermography were qualified and adjusted to each other. Most of the results presented in this article are limited to the area close to the substrate which is difficult to handle with diagnostic methods. Additionally, new achievements concerning nozzle design and system enhancements are introduced.

In this paper the development of thermal sprayed, hard phase reinforced aluminum based layers, in particular for coating light metal substrates is described. The aim of the project was to obtain wear resistant coatings for applications on light metal surfaces combined with other advantageous characteristics, especially good thermal conductivity. One possible application for these coatings can be seen in automotive light weight constructions as wear protection for brake discs or drums. Flame shock spraying as well as high velocity oxyfuel flame spraying (HVOF) were used as coating processes. As consumables mechanically alloyed powders consisting of aluminum and ferric oxide were used. Due to the high kinetic process energy developed by the selected procedures in connection with the exothermically reacting spraying material, a new light metal matrix composite was produced. One major advantage of this coating material is the in-situ synthesis of the hard particles in the aluminum matrix during the spray process resulting in good adhesion/cohesion properties. This research project includes an extensive analysis of the consumables including differential thermal analysis, SEM, and EDX. Furthermore, process parameters were optimized. This includes a characterization of the HVOF process using modern particle diagnostics. Besides good bonding properties proven coating characteristics are high thermal conductivity and thermal shock resistance as well as good wear behavior even at elevated temperatures. The results show that the developed coating system is a promising alternative for cast aluminum matrix composite materials used for wear stressed parts even at elevated temperatures.

Modern thermal spray processes require wide use of diagnostics to gather an extensive process understanding. Today's diagnostic results provide the basis for future designs and advancements, particularly and increasingly on basis of computational approaches. Due to the measuring area in the square centimeter range and its quick and accurate results, the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) represents an enriching for thermal spray process diagnostics. Our experimental results obtained from PIV are in accordance to present theoretical and empirical derivations of some kinematic parameters of thermal spray processes. Beneath verification of well-known dominant parameters (for example powder fraction or carrier gas mass flow), this procedure enables the detection and characterization of ancillary influences on the process due to its high accuracy. By statistical analysis of our experiments, using multiple parameter variations per experiment according to the technique of "Design of Experiments" (DoE), we possibly found some hints on interactions between ancillary parameters which shall be analysed in further works carefully. In combination with detailed simulations on plasma - particle interactions and powder injection it should be possible to develop methods for thermal spray processes to minimize the particle flow expansion for an optimization of deposition rate and energy efficiency in the future.