High-velocity suspension flame spraying (HVSFS) is used for direct processing of submicron and nano-scaled particles to achieve dense surface layers in supersonic mode with a refined structure, from which superior properties are expected. The application of solutions as a carrier fluid for nano-particles in thermal spray systems is a new approach that requires some thermo-physical and chemical optimization. Three dimensional modeling and analysis of the combustion and gas dynamic phenomena of the three-phase HVSFS process is performed in this study for an industrial TopGun-G torch, based on a numerical model for a conventional HVOF process. Parameter analysis of the solution mixture (proportion between aqueous and organic solvent) in a suspension is performed as well as analysis of the variation of the combustion chamber depending on the torch design, leading to more homogeneous flow properties for an improved HVSFS torch.

For the manufacturing of metal matrix composites, a combined process of thermal spraying followed by forging in the semi-solid state can be applied. In previous work, it has been shown that thermal spraying leads to a globular microstructure that is suitable for semi-solid forming. Thereby, penetration of the spray material into the reinforcement phase leads to reduced matrix flow paths and thus reduced forming time and fiber disarrangement during the forming process. The main requirement is a low substrate and coating temperature during matrix deposition. By control of the process temperature, geometrical accuracy of the prepreg material and it’s handling between each process step can be significantly improved, leading to an economical method that is a superior alternative to the well established MMC processes like diffusion bonding or squeeze casting. Moreover, due to low process temperatures and process time during matrix application, chemical attack of carbon fiber reinforcements can be reduced. Process development for the manufacturing of continuous fiber reinforced prepregs was focused on the analysis and control of particle properties and substrate temperature. In order to improve the temperature control during arc wire spraying, numerical process analysis of the cooling system was applied. Particle in-flight analysis with the SprayWatch system was used to obtain direct spray parameters as input data for the numerical models. The simulation results were verified by experimental infrared thermography of the substrate during coating. By the use of an optimized cooling system, dense coatings without cracks were achieved with different coating thickness, thereby tailoring the fiber volume content of the final MMC component.

Nano structured coatings applied by supersonic flame spray processes show a better bonding mechanism, superior hardness and better wear resistance compared to coatings with micron scale structure. However, handling and particle feeding of smaller scale (< 20µm) spray powders is difficult due to their large surface area and easy agglomeration, but also health risks. Therefore, nano structured oxide ceramic powders are mixed with organic solvents in order to form liquid suspensions that are suitable to improve the particle feeding properties. Recent attempts to understand the momentum and heat transfer mechanisms between flame and particles in HVOF flame spraying led to measurement of the in-flight particle properties and computational modeling of the processes. In this work, modeling and simulation of the HVOF spraying process as a two phase model is applied in order to analyze thermal and mass flow processes for an optimization of the spray particle properties and the final properties of the coatings themselves. Simulation results are given for particle tracking during the spray process. Thereby, particle properties are sensitive to a large number of process parameters as well as the particle diameter. Numerical results are validated by experimental diagnosis of particle properties with the SprayWatch system and by the analysis of experimental coatings.

The quality and operation performance of layer composites manufactured by thermal spraying is influenced by two different processes, the activation process of the surface prior to coating deposition and the coating process itself. The activation of the substrate surface is mainly performed by grit blasting operations. Surface activation by grit blasting is used in order to improve the bonding between substrate and coating, which is strongly related to the size and nature of the surface topography and roughness generated by the blasting process. Besides the roughening effect, grit blasting induces compressive residual stresses into the substrate surface which can be critical especially for thin walled components, e.g. piston rings, where the component shape is an important factor for the operation behavior and functionality. Another effect is an increase of hardness in the surface region related to the induced compressive stresses. A variety of blasting parameters can influence the surface characteristics, like nozzle diameter, grit medium and size, blasting pressure, distance and time. The influence of these parameters on the surface roughness, hardness, component deformation and residual stresses was investigated by tactile surface metrology, universal hardness and Almen tests as well as experimental residual stress analysis with the incremental hole drilling and milling method. All investigations were performed on rectangular steel strips. The results are discussed concerning quality control features for grit blasting processes in serial production.