Plasma spray processing of TiC-based coatings for sliding wear resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohanty, Mahesh

Titanium carbide-reinforced metallic coatings, produced by plasma spraying, can be used for sliding wear resistant applications. The sliding wear properties of such coatings are governed to a large extent by the strength, structure and stability of the bond interface between the carbide and the metallic phases. In the present investigation, the microstructure and sliding wear properties of plasma sprayed metal-bonded TiC coatings containing up to 90 v/o carbide have been studied. It was shown that alloying of the metallic phase improved carbide retention in TiC cermets due to better interface bonding, and increased wear resistance and lowered sliding coefficient of friction. TiC-based coatings were produced from both physically blended and synthesized feed powders. It was observed that the precursor TiC-based powder morphology and structure greatly affected the plasma sprayed coating microstructures and the resultant physical and mechanical characteristics. Physical blending of powders induced segregation during spraying, leading to somewhat lower deposit efficiencies and coating uniformity, while synthesized and alloyed titanium carbide/metal composite powders reduced problems of segregation and reactions associated with plasma spraying of physically blended powders where the TiC was in direct contact with the plasma jet. To understand oxidation effects of the environment, Ti and TiC-based coatings were produced under low pressure (VPS), air plasma (APS) and shrouded plasma sprayed conditions. APS Ti and TiC-based powders with reactive matrices suffered severe oxidation decomposition during flight, leading to poor deposition efficiencies and oxidized microstructures. High particle temperatures and cold air plasma spraying. Coating oxidation due to reactions of the particles with the surrounding air during spraying reduced coating hardness and wear resistance. TiC-with Ti or Ti-alloy matrix coatings with the highest hardness, density and wear resistance was achieved by spraying under vacuum plasma spray conditions. VPS coating microstructures of synthesized 40, 60 and 80 v/o TiC in Ti10Ni10Cr5Al and 80 v/o TiC in Fe30Cr alloy matrices exhibited fine and uniform distributions of spheroidal carbides. High volume fraction carbides were also obtained with no segregation effects. It was also shown that coatings produced from mechanically blended powders of 50, 70 and 90 vol. % TiC and commercially pure (C.P.) Ti, using low pressure plasma spray process (VPS), had densities >98% and were well bonded to steel, aluminum alloy or titanium alloy substrates. Reductions in jet oxygen contents by the use of an inert gas shroud enabled Ti and TiC-based coatings to be produced which were cleaner and denser than air plasma sprayed and comparable to vacuum plasma sprayed coatings. Direct oxygen concentration measurements in shrouded plasma jets made using an enthalpy probe and a gas analyzer also showed significant reductions in the entrainment of atmospheric oxygen. VPS and shrouded plasma spraying minimized carbide-matrix interface oxidation and improved coating wear resistance. The sliding wear resistance of synthesized coatings was very high and comparable with standard HVOF sprayed WC/Co and Crsb3Csb2/NiCr coatings. Shrouded plasma spray deposits of Crsb3Csb2/NiCr also performed much better than similar air plasma sprayed coatings, as result of reduced oxidation.

Detection of lack of fusion using opaque additives, phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, J. L.

1972-01-01

Two major problems in welded aluminum spacecraft structure, reliable nondestructive inspection for incomplete weldment penetration and the rapid oxidation of aluminum surfaces left exposed to the atmosphere are investigated. The approach employed to solve both problems was to employ copper as a coating to prevent oxidation of the aluminum and as an opaque additive in the weldment to enhance X-ray detection in the event of incomplete penetration. Both plasma spray and vacuum vapor deposition techniques were evaluated for depositing the copper. A series of welded panels was made using three thicknesses of vacuum-vapor-deposited copper. All weldments were nondestructively inspected by X-ray, then excised into tensile and bend specimens. Mechanical tests were conducted and all data evaluated. It was determined that the vacuum-vapor-deposited coating was superior to a plasma sprayed coating of the same thickness. The vacuum-vapor-deposited coating was more uniform in thickness, provided complete coverage of the aluminum, and was free of cracks and porosity.

Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS) Forming of Solar Thermal Propulsion Components Using Refractory Metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zimmerman, Frank; Gerish, Harold; Davis, William; Hissam, D. Andy

1998-01-01

The Thermal Spray Laboratory at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has developed and demonstrated a fabrication technique using Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS) to form structural components from a tungsten/rhenium alloy. The components were assembled into an absorption cavity for a fully-functioning, ground test unit of a solar thermal propulsion engine. The VPS process deposits refractory metal onto a graphite mandrel of the desired shape. The mandrel acts as a male mold, forming the required contour and dimensions of the inside surface of the deposit. Tungsten and tungsten/25% rhenium were used in the development and production of several absorber cavity components. These materials were selected for their high temperature (less than 2500 C) strength. Each absorber cavity comprises 3 coaxial shells with two, double-helical flow passages through which the propellant gas flows. This paper describes the processing techniques, design considerations, and process development associated with forming these engine components.

Process for HIP canning of composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juhas, John J. (Inventor)

1990-01-01

A single step is relied on in the canning process for hot isostatic pressing (HIP) metallurgy composites. The composites are made from arc sprayed and plasma sprayed monotape. The HIP can is of compatible refractory metal and is sealed at high vacuum and temperature. This eliminates outgassing during hot isostatic pressing.

High heat flux properties of pure tungsten and plasma sprayed tungsten coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, X.; Tamura, S.; Tokunaga, K.; Yoshida, N.; Noda, N.; Yang, L.; Xu, Z.

2004-08-01

High heat flux properties of pure tungsten and plasma sprayed tungsten coatings on carbon substrates have been studied by annealing and cyclic heat loading. The recrystallization temperature and an activation energy QR=126 kJ/mol for grain growth of tungsten coating by vacuum plasma spray (VPS) were estimated, and the microstructural changes of multi-layer tungsten and rhenium interface pre-deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) with anneal temperature were investigated. Cyclic load tests indicated that pure tungsten and VPS-tungsten coating could withstand 1000 cycles at 33-35 MW/m 2 heat flux and 3 s pulse duration, and inert gas plasma spray (IPS)-tungsten coating showed local cracks by 300 cycles but did not induce failure by further cycles. However, the failure of pure tungsten and VPS-tungsten coating by fatigue cracking was observed under higher heat load (55-60 MW/m 2) for 420 and 230 cycles, respectively.

Net Shaped Component Fabrication of Refractory Metal Alloys using Vacuum Plasma Spraying

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sen, S.; ODell, S.; Gorti, S.; Litchford, R.

2006-01-01

The vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) technique was employed to produce dense and net shaped components of a new tungsten-rhenium (W-Re) refractory metal alloy. The fine grain size obtained using this technique enhanced the mechanical properties of the alloy at elevated temperatures. The alloy development also included incorporation of thermodynamically stable dispersion phases to pin down grain boundaries at elevated temperatures and thereby circumventing the inherent problem of recrystallization of refractory alloys at elevated temperatures. Requirements for such alloys as related to high temperature space propulsion components will be discussed. Grain size distribution as a function of cooling rate and dispersion phase loading will be presented. Mechanical testing and grain growth results as a function of temperature will also be discussed.

Vapor Phase Deposition Using Plasma Spray-PVD™

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

von Niessen, K.; Gindrat, M.; Refke, A.

2010-01-01

Plasma spray—physical vapor deposition (PS-PVD) is a low pressure plasma spray technology to deposit coatings out of the vapor phase. PS-PVD is a part of the family of new hybrid processes recently developed by Sulzer Metco AG (Switzerland) on the basis of the well-established low pressure plasma spraying (LPPS) technology. Included in this new process family are plasma spray—chemical vapor deposition (PS-CVD) and plasma spray—thin film (PS-TF) processes. In comparison to conventional vacuum plasma spraying and LPPS, these new processes use a high energy plasma gun operated at a work pressure below 2 mbar. This leads to unconventional plasma jet characteristics which can be used to obtain specific and unique coatings. An important new feature of PS-PVD is the possibility to deposit a coating not only by melting the feed stock material which builds up a layer from liquid splats, but also by vaporizing the injected material. Therefore, the PS-PVD process fills the gap between the conventional PVD technologies and standard thermal spray processes. The possibility to vaporize feedstock material and to produce layers out of the vapor phase results in new and unique coating microstructures. The properties of such coatings are superior to those of thermal spray and EB-PVD coatings. This paper reports on the progress made at Sulzer Metco to develop functional coatings build up from vapor phase of oxide ceramics and metals.

Turntable mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myers, William Neill (Inventor)

1993-01-01

In vacuum plasma spraying a turntable must be provided which not only makes it possible to rotate and tilt a heavy workpiece, but to operate at vacuum plasma temperatures to do so. In the vacuum plasma coating of large parts such as combustion chambers of rocket engines, the workpiece must not only be rotated, but it must be tilted. Hence, the turntable must be capable not only of supporting heavy parts, but of angulating such heavy workpieces. And this must be done without drive means failure due to extremely high temperatures under which the turntable mechanism is operated. A turntable mechanism is provided which is capable of operating under such conditions. For cooling the turntable drive mechanism, internal cooling means are included.

Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS) Forming of Solar Thermal Propulsion Components Using Refractory Metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zimmerman, Frank R.; Hissam, David A.; Gerrish, Harold P.; Davis, William M.

1999-01-01

The Thermal Spray Laboratory at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has developed and demonstrated a fabrication technique using Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS) to form structural components from a tungsten/rhenium alloy. The components were assembled into an absorber cavity for a fully-functioning, ground test unit of a solar then-nal propulsion engine. The VPS process deposits refractory metal onto a graphite mandrel of the desired shape. The mandrel acts as a male mold, forming the required contour and dimensions of the inside surface of the deposit. Tungsten and tungsten/25% rhenium were used in the development and production of several absorber cavity components. These materials were selected for their high temperature (greater than 25000 C [greater than 4530 F]) strength. Each absorber cavity comprises 3 coaxial shells with two, double-helical flow passages through which the propellant gas flows. This paper describes the processing techniques, design considerations, and process development associated with forming these engine components.

Failure modes of vacuum plasma spray tungsten coating created on carbon fibre composites under thermal loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirai, T.; Bekris, N.; Coad, J. P.; Grisolia, C.; Linke, J.; Maier, H.; Matthews, G. F.; Philipps, V.; Wessel, E.

2009-07-01

Vacuum plasma spray tungsten (VPS-W) coating created on a carbon fibre reinforced composite (CFC) was tested under two thermal load schemes in the electron beam facility to examine the operation limits and failure modes. In cyclic ELM-like short transient thermal loads, the VPS-W coating was destroyed sub-layer by sub-layer at 0.33 GW/m 2 for 1 ms pulse duration. At longer single pulses, simulating steady-state thermal loads, the coating was destroyed at surface temperatures above 2700 °C by melting of the rhenium containing multilayer at the interface between VPS-W and CFC. The operation limits and failure modes of the VPS-W coating in the thermal load schemes are discussed in detail.

Determination of elastic modulus and residual stress of plasma-sprayed tungsten coating on steel substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, J. H.; Höschen, T.; Lindig, S.

2006-01-01

Plasma-sprayed tungsten, which is a candidate material for the first wall armour, shows a porous, heterogeneous microstructure. Due to its characteristic morphology, the properties are significantly different from those of its dense bulk material. Measurements of the elastic modulus of this coating have not been reported in the literature. In this work Young's modulus of highly porous plasma-sprayed tungsten coatings deposited on steel (F82H) substrates was measured. For the fabrication of the coating system the vacuum plasma-spray process was applied. Measurements were performed by means of three-point and four-point bending tests. The obtained modulus values ranged from 53 to 57 GPa. These values could be confirmed by the test result of a detached coating strip, which was 54 GPa. The applied methods produced consistent results regardless of testing configurations and specimen sizes. The errors were less than 1%. Residual stress of the coating was also estimated.

Performance of vacuum plasma spray and HVOF bond coatings at 900° and 1100 °C

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lance, Michael J.; Haynes, James A.; Pint, Bruce A.

The effects of Ti and B additions to a vacuum plasma sprayed (VPS) NiCoCrAlYHfSi bond coating on thermal barrier coating (TBC) performance were studied at 1100 °C and 900 °C and compared to high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) bond coatings. Using alloy 247 substrates and air plasma sprayed Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 top coatings, additions of B or Ti + B did not improve the average TBC lifetime in 1-h cycles at 1100 °C in air with 10% H2O. The addition of Ti resulted in a decrease in lifetime. Photo-stimulated luminescence spectroscopy was used to map residual stresses in the thermally-grown Al2O3 scale. Atmore » 900 °C, closer to a typical land based turbine operating bond coating temperature, specimens were examined after ten 500-h cycles in laboratory air and air with 10%H2O to study the effect of H2O. The addition of water vapor had little effect on the measured parabolic rate constants at 900 °C and a comparison of the oxide microstructures in both environments is reported.« less

Young's Moduli of Cold and Vacuum Plasma Sprayed Metallic Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raj, S. V.; Pawlik, R.; Loewenthal, W.

2009-01-01

Monolithic metallic copper alloy and NiCrAlY coatings were fabricated by either the cold spray (CS) or the vacuum plasma spray (VPS) deposition processes. Dynamic elastic modulus property measurements were conducted on these monolithic coating specimens between 300 K and 1273 K using the impulse excitation technique. The Young's moduli decreased almost linearly with increasing temperature at all temperatures except in the case of the CS Cu-23%Cr-5%Al and VPS NiCrAlY, where deviations from linearity were observed above a critical temperature. It was observed that the Young's moduli for VPS Cu-8%Cr were larger than literature data compiled for Cu. The addition of 1%Al to Cu- 8%Cr significantly increased its Young's modulus by 12 to 17% presumably due to a solid solution effect. Comparisons of the Young s moduli data between two different measurements on the same CS Cu- 23%Cr-5%Al specimen revealed that the values measured in the first run were about 10% higher than those in the second run. It is suggested that this observation is due to annealing of the initial cold work microstructure resulting form the cold spray deposition process.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohanty, M.; Smith, R. W.

1995-12-01

Lightweight coatings based on titanium and titanium carbides produced by plasma spraying can be used to improve and modify the tribomechanical properties of aerospace structural materials. Although plasma-sprayed WC/Co coatings have been applied with success in many cases, such as primary wear-re-sistant materials, their high densities preclude their use in applications that mandate reduction in weight. In the present investigation, the sliding wear resistance of plasma-sprayed, metal-bonded TiC coatings on AI 7075 substrates was studied. Coatings containing 50, 70, and 90 vol% TiC in a Ti matrix produced from physically blended powders of Ti and TiC were compared. Metallographie evaluations showed that dense coatings with good bonding to AI 7075 substrates can be obtained. Coatings from commercial pu-rity (CP) Ti powders sprayed in air under atmospheric conditions, however, indicated considerable oxi-dation of the particles. Under dry sliding conditions, the coefficient of friction (COF) values of the Ti/TiC containing/Al 7075 substrate system were lower than high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) sprayed 75% Cr3C2/25%NiCr coatings on steel and were comparable to coatings of WC/Co. Vacuum plasma-sprayed TiC/Ti coatings with 90 vol% TiC also exhibited better wear resistance than HVOF sprayed 75%Cr3C2/25%NiCr.

Influence of Surface Finishing on the Oxidation Behaviour of VPS MCrAlY Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fossati, Alessio; di Ferdinando, Martina; Bardi, Ugo; Scrivani, Andrea; Giolli, Carlo

2012-03-01

CoNiCrAlY coatings were produced by means of the vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) process onto CMSX-4 single crystal nickel superalloy disk substrates. As-sprayed samples were annealed at high temperatures in low vacuum. Three kinds of finishing processes were carried out, producing three types of samples: as-sprayed, mechanically smoothed by grinding, ground and PVD coated by using aluminum targets in an oxygen atmosphere. Samples were tested under isothermal conditions, in air, at 1000 °C, and up to 5000 h. Morphological, microstructural and compositional analyses were performed on the coated samples in order to assess the high temperature oxidation behavior provided by the three different surface finishing processes. Several differences were observed: grinding operations decrease the oxidation resistance, whereas the PVD process can increase the performances over longer time with respect of the as-sprayed samples.

Plasma Spray-PVD: A New Thermal Spray Process to Deposit Out of the Vapor Phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

von Niessen, Konstantin; Gindrat, Malko

2011-06-01

Plasma spray-physical vapor deposition (PS-PVD) is a low pressure plasma spray technology recently developed by Sulzer Metco AG (Switzerland). Even though it is a thermal spray process, it can deposit coatings out of the vapor phase. The basis of PS-PVD is the low pressure plasma spraying (LPPS) technology that has been well established in industry for several years. In comparison to conventional vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) or low pressure plasma spraying (LPPS), the new proposed process uses a high energy plasma gun operated at a reduced work pressure of 0.1 kPa (1 mbar). Owing to the high energy plasma and further reduced work pressure, PS-PVD is able to deposit a coating not only by melting the feed stock material which builds up a layer from liquid splats but also by vaporizing the injected material. Therefore, the PS-PVD process fills the gap between the conventional physical vapor deposition (PVD) technologies and standard thermal spray processes. The possibility to vaporize feedstock material and to produce layers out of the vapor phase results in new and unique coating microstructures. The properties of such coatings are superior to those of thermal spray and electron beam-physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) coatings. In contrast to EB-PVD, PS-PVD incorporates the vaporized coating material into a supersonic plasma plume. Owing to the forced gas stream of the plasma jet, complex shaped parts such as multi-airfoil turbine vanes can be coated with columnar thermal barrier coatings using PS-PVD. Even shadowed areas and areas which are not in the line of sight of the coating source can be coated homogeneously. This article reports on the progress made by Sulzer Metco in developing a thermal spray process to produce coatings out of the vapor phase. Columnar thermal barrier coatings made of Yttria-stabilized Zircona (YSZ) are optimized to serve in a turbine engine. This process includes not only preferable coating properties such as strain tolerance and erosion resistance but also the simultaneous coverage of multiple air foils.

Adjustable Powder Injector For Vacuum Plasma Sprayer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burns, D. H.; Woodford, W. H.; Mckechnie, T. N.; Mcferrin, D. C.; Davis, W. M.; Beason, G. P., Jr.

1993-01-01

Attachment for plasma spray gun provides four degrees of freedom for adjustment of position and orientation at which powder injected externally into plasma flame. Manipulator provides for adjustment of pitch angle of injection tube: set to inject powder at any angle ranging from perpendicular to parallel to cylindrical axis. Scribed lines on extension bar and manipulator indicate pitch angle of extension tube. Collar changed to adapt injector to different gun.

Properties of tungsten coating deposited onto copper by high-speed atmospheric plasma spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jianjun, Huang; Fan, Wang; Ying, Liu; Shishou, Jiang; Xisheng, Wang; Bing, Qi; Liang, Gao

2011-07-01

Tungsten (W) coatings were fabricated on copper (Cu) by high-speed atmospheric plasma spray (HAPS) technique. The properties of the porosity, oxygen content, bonding strength and microhardness were measured. The results obtained indicated that the HAPS-W coating showed good properties particularly in terms of porosity and oxygen content. The porosity of the HAPS-W coating was 2.3% and the distribution of pore size diameter was mainly concentrated in the range of 0.01-1 μm. The oxygen content of the coating measured by means of Nitrogen/Oxygen Determinator was about 0.10 wt.%. These initial results suggest that the HAPS-W coating has achieved the reported properties of the vacuum plasma spray (VPS) W coating. Compared with VPS, HAPS-W technique could provide a convenient and low cost way to obtain adequate W coatings for fusion applications.

Investigation of low cost material processes for liquid rocket engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyentat, Thinh; Kawashige, Chester M.; Scala, James G.; Horn, Ronald M.

1993-01-01

The development of low cost material processes is essential to the achievement of economical liquid rocket propulsion systems in the next century. This paper will present the results of the evaluation of some promising material processes including powder metallurgy, vacuum plasma spray, metal spray forming, and bulge forming. The physical and mechanical test results from the samples and subscale hardware fabricated from high strength copper alloys and superalloys will be discussed.

Analysis of the ceramic layer microstructure influence on plasma spray thermal barrier coating performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogdanovich, V. I.; Giorbelidze, M. G.

2017-12-01

This paper outlines the results of analysis and describes the structure of the thermal protection coatings formed by atomic ion stream deposition in vacuum, and plasma thermal spraying method. Crystallite structure features are considered along with the crystallite dimensions, spatial orientation, and position of the boundaries between separate crystallites. Discontinuity, volume, and morphology of the pores has been evaluated. Experimental studies have been accomplished using various fractions of the powder-like material ZrO2 - 8%Y2O3. The influence of the coating microstructure on the coating performance has been analyzed, such as adhesive strength, thermal stability, and thermal conductivity.

Study of electrochemical properties of thin film materials obtained using plasma technologies for production of electrodes for pacemakers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obrezkov, O. I.; Vinogradov, V. P.; Krauz, V. I.; Mozgrin, D. V.; Guseva, I. A.; Andreev, E. S.; Zverev, A. A.; Starostin, A. L.

2016-09-01

Studies of thin film materials (TFM) as coatings of tips of pacemaker electrodes implanted into the human heart have been performed. TFM coatings were deposited in vacuum by arc magnetron discharge plasma, by pulsed discharge of “Plasma Focus”, and by electron beam evaporation. Simulation of electric charge transfer to the heart in physiological blood- imitator solution and determination of electrochemical properties of the coatings were carried out. TFM of highly developed surface of contact with tissue was produced by argon plasma spraying of titanium powder with subsequent coating by titanium nitride in vacuum arc assisted by Ti ion implantation. The TFM coatings of pacemaker electrode have passed necessary clinical tests and were used in medical practice. They provide low voltage myocardium stimulation thresholds within the required operating time.

Influence of Bondcoat Spray Process on Lifetime of Suspension Plasma-Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, M.; Markocsan, N.; Li, X.-H.; Östergren, L.

2017-12-01

Development of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) manufactured by suspension plasma spraying (SPS) is of high commercial interest as SPS has been shown capable of producing highly porous columnar microstructures similar to the conventionally used electron beam-physical vapor deposition. However, lifetime of SPS coatings needs to be improved further to be used in commercial applications. The bondcoat microstructure as well as topcoat-bondcoat interface topography affects the TBC lifetime significantly. The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of different bondcoat deposition processes for SPS topcoats. In this work, a NiCoCrAlY bondcoat deposited by high velocity air fuel (HVAF) was compared to commercial vacuum plasma-sprayed NiCoCrAlY and PtAl diffusion bondcoats. All bondcoat variations were prepared with and without grit blasting the bondcoat surface. SPS was used to deposit the topcoats on all samples using the same spray parameters. Lifetime of these samples was examined by thermal cyclic fatigue testing. Isothermal heat treatment was performed to study bondcoat oxidation over time. The effect of bondcoat deposition process and interface topography on lifetime in each case has been discussed. The results show that HVAF could be a suitable process for bondcoat deposition in SPS TBCs.

Influence of Bondcoat Spray Process on Lifetime of Suspension Plasma-Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, M.; Markocsan, N.; Li, X.-H.; Östergren, L.

2018-01-01

Development of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) manufactured by suspension plasma spraying (SPS) is of high commercial interest as SPS has been shown capable of producing highly porous columnar microstructures similar to the conventionally used electron beam-physical vapor deposition. However, lifetime of SPS coatings needs to be improved further to be used in commercial applications. The bondcoat microstructure as well as topcoat-bondcoat interface topography affects the TBC lifetime significantly. The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of different bondcoat deposition processes for SPS topcoats. In this work, a NiCoCrAlY bondcoat deposited by high velocity air fuel (HVAF) was compared to commercial vacuum plasma-sprayed NiCoCrAlY and PtAl diffusion bondcoats. All bondcoat variations were prepared with and without grit blasting the bondcoat surface. SPS was used to deposit the topcoats on all samples using the same spray parameters. Lifetime of these samples was examined by thermal cyclic fatigue testing. Isothermal heat treatment was performed to study bondcoat oxidation over time. The effect of bondcoat deposition process and interface topography on lifetime in each case has been discussed. The results show that HVAF could be a suitable process for bondcoat deposition in SPS TBCs.

Qualification of tungsten coatings on plasma-facing components for JET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maier, H.; Neu, R.; Greuner, H.; Böswirth, B.; Balden, M.; Lindig, S.; Matthews, G. F.; Rasinski, M.; Wienhold, P.; Wiltner, A.

2009-12-01

This contribution summarizes the work that has been performed to establish the industrial production of tungsten coatings on carbon fibre composite (CFC) for application within the ITER-like Wall Project at JET. This comprises the investigation of vacuum plasma-sprayed coatings, physical vapour deposited tungsten/rhenium multilayers, as well as coatings deposited by combined magnetron-sputtering and ion implantation. A variety of analysis tools were applied to investigate failures and oxide and carbide formation in these systems.

Electrical and optical performance of transparent conducting oxide films deposited by electrostatic spray assisted vapour deposition.

PubMed

Hou, Xianghui; Choy, Kwang-Leong; Liu, Jun-Peng

2011-09-01

Transparent conducting oxide (TCO) films have the remarkable combination of high electrical conductivity and optical transparency. There is always a strong motivation to produce TCO films with good performance at low cost. Electrostatic Spray Assisted Vapor Deposition (ESAVD), as a variant of chemical vapour deposition (CVD), is a non-vacuum and low-cost deposition method. Several types of TCO films have been deposited using ESAVD process, including indium tin oxide (ITO), antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO), and fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO). This paper reports the electrical and optical properties of TCO films produced by ESAVD methods, as well as the effects of post treatment by plasma hydrogenation on these TCO films. The possible mechanisms involved during plasma hydrogenation of TCO films are also discussed. Reduction and etching effect during plasma hydrogenation are the most important factors which determine the optical and electrical performance of TCO films.

Experimental Studies of Spray Deposition on a Flat Surface in a Vacuum Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Golliher, Eric L.; Yao, S. C.

2015-01-01

Cooling of spacecraft components in the space environment is an on-going research effort. The electronics used in modern spacecraft are always changing and the heat flux is increasing. New, one-of-a-kind missions require new approaches to thermal control. In this research, under vacuum conditions, a pulsed water spray impinged on a small disc, while a high speed data acquisition system recorded the temperature histories of this copper disc. The water droplets froze quickly and accumulated on the disc as the spray continued. After the spray stopped, the frozen water that remained on the disc then sublimated into the vacuum environment and cooled the disc. This paper examines two important aspects of this process: 1) the difference in spray start up and shutdown in a vacuum environment versus in a standard atmospheric pressure environment, and 2) the water utilization efficiency in a vacuum environment due to the effects of drop trajectories and drop bouncing on the surface. Both phenomena play a role during spray cooling in a vacuum. This knowledge should help spacecraft designers plan for spray cooling as an option to cool spacecraft electronics, human metabolic generated heat, and heat from other sources.

Development Study of Cartridge/Crucible Tube Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McKechnie, Timothy N.; ODell, Scott J.

1998-01-01

The limitations of traditional alloys and the desire for improved performance for components is driving the increased utilization of refractory metals in tile space industry. From advanced propulsion systems to high temperature furnace components for microgravity processing, refractory metals are being used for their high melting temperatures and inherent chemical stability. Techniques have been developed to produce near net shape refractory metal components utilizing vacuum plasma spraying. Material utilization is very high, and laborious machining can be avoided. As-spray formed components have been tested and found to perform adequately. However, increased mechanical and thermal properties are needed. To improve these properties, post processing thermal treatments such as hydrogen sintering and vacuum annealing have been performed. Components formed from alloys of tungsten, rhenium, tantalum, niobium, and molybdenum are discussed and a metallurgical analyses detailing the results are presented. A qualitative comparison of mechanical properties is also included.

Crack-Free, Nondistorting Can For Hot Isostatic Pressing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juhas, John J.

1991-01-01

New method of canning specimens made of composites of arc-sprayed and plasma-sprayed tape reduces outgassing and warping during hot isostatic pressing. Produces can having reliable, crack-free seal and thereby helps to ensure pressed product of high quality. Specimen placed in ring of refractory metal between two face sheets, also of refractory metal. Assembly placed in die in vacuum hot press, where simultaneously heated and pressed until plates become diffusion-welded to ring, forming sealed can around specimen. Specimen becomes partially densified, and fits snugly within can. Ready for further densification by hot isostatic pressing.

Method of fabricating silicon carbide coatings on graphite surfaces

DOEpatents

Varacalle, D.J. Jr.; Herman, H.; Burchell, T.D.

1994-07-26

The vacuum plasma spray process produces well-bonded, dense, stress-free coatings for a variety of materials on a wide range of substrates. The process is used in many industries to provide for the excellent wear, corrosion resistance, and high temperature behavior of the fabricated coatings. In this application, silicon metal is deposited on graphite. This invention discloses the optimum processing parameters for as-sprayed coating qualities. The method also discloses the effect of thermal cycling on silicon samples in an inert helium atmosphere at about 1,600 C which transforms the coating to silicon carbide. 3 figs.

Method of fabricating silicon carbide coatings on graphite surfaces

DOEpatents

Varacalle, Jr., Dominic J.; Herman, Herbert; Burchell, Timothy D.

1994-01-01

The vacuum plasma spray process produces well-bonded, dense, stress-free coatings for a variety of materials on a wide range of substrates. The process is used in many industries to provide for the excellent wear, corrosion resistance, and high temperature behavior of the fabricated coatings. In this application, silicon metal is deposited on graphite. This invention discloses the optimum processing parameters for as-sprayed coating qualities. The method also discloses the effect of thermal cycling on silicon samples in an inert helium atmosphere at about 1600.degree.C. which transforms the coating to silicon carbide.

Thermophysical Properties of Cold and Vacuum Plasma Sprayed Cu-Cr-X Alloys, NiAl and NiCrAlY Coatings. Part 2; Specific Heat Capacity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raj, S. V.

2017-01-01

Part I of the paper discussed the temperature dependencies of the electrical resistivities, thermal conductivities, thermal diffusivities and total hemispherical emissivities of several vacuum plasma sprayed (VPS) and cold sprayed copper alloy monolithic coatings, VPS NiAl, VPS NiCrAlY, extruded GRCop-84 and as-cast Cu-17(wt.%)Cr-5%Al. Part II discusses the temperature dependencies of the constant pressure specific heat capacities, CP, of these coatings. The data were empirically were regression-fitted with the equation: CP = AT4 + BT3 + CT2 + DT +E where T is the absolute temperature and A, B, C, D and E are regression constants. The temperature dependencies of the molar enthalpy, molar entropy and Gibbs molar free energy determined from experimental values of molar specific heat capacity are reported. Calculated values of CP using the Neumann-Kopp (NK) rule were in poor agreement with experimental data. Instead, a modification of the Neumann-Kopp rule was found to predict values closer to the experimental data with an absolute deviation less than 6.5%. The specific molar heat capacities for all the alloys did not agree with the Dulong-Petit law, and CP is greater than 3R, where R is the universal gas constant, were measured for all the alloys except NiAl for which CP is less than 3R at all temperatures.

Thermophysical Properties of Cold- and Vacuum Plasma-Sprayed Cu-Cr-X Alloys, NiAl and NiCrAlY Coatings II: Specific Heat Capacity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raj, S. V.

2017-11-01

Part I of the paper discussed the temperature dependencies of the electrical resistivities, thermal conductivities, thermal diffusivities and total hemispherical emissivities of several vacuum plasma-sprayed (VPS) and cold-sprayed (CS) copper alloy monolithic coatings, VPS NiAl, VPS NiCrAlY, extruded GRCop-84 and as-cast Cu-17(wt.%)Cr-5%Al. Part II discusses the temperature dependencies of the constant-pressure specific heat capacities, C P, of these coatings. The data were empirically regression-fitted with the equation: \\varvec{C}_{P} = {AT}^{4} + {BT}^{3} + {CT}^{2} + DT + \\varvec{E}where T is the absolute temperature and A, B, C, D and E are regression constants. The temperature dependencies of the molar enthalpy, molar entropy and Gibbs molar free energy determined from experimental values of molar specific heat capacity are reported. Calculated values of C P using the Neumann-Kopp (NK) rule were in poor agreement with experimental data. Instead, a modification of the NK rule was found to predict values closer to the experimental data with an absolute deviation less than 6.5%. The specific molar heat capacities for all the alloys did not agree with the Dulong-Petit law, and C P > 3 R, where R is the universal gas constant, were measured for all the alloys except NiAl for which C P < 3 R at all temperatures.

Highly efficient and stable ultraviolet photocathode based on nanodiamond particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velardi, L.; Valentini, A.; Cicala, G.

2016-02-01

Nanodiamond (ND) layers on silicon substrate are deposited by the pulsed spray technique starting from nanoparticles of about 250 nm dispersed in 1,2-dichloroethane solvent. The aim of this letter is to investigate the quantum efficiency (QE) of photocathodes based on ND particles in the vacuum ultraviolet spectral range. Various ND layers are examined employing as-received and hydrogenated nanoparticles. As expected, the hydrogen plasma treatment improves strongly the photoemission of the layer giving a QE of 22% at 146 nm. Indeed, this efficiency value is achieved only if the particles are treated in H2 microwave plasma before the growth of the sprayed layer rather than to hydrogenate the already formed one. These QE values are higher than those of photocathodes based on plasma chemical vapor deposition diamond films, but with the advantage of being much stable, too. The highest QE values are explained to be due to the intrinsic chemical and structural features of utilized ND particles.

Coating materials for fusion application in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, G.-N.; Li, Q.; Liu, M.; Zheng, X. B.; Chen, J. L.; Guo, Q. G.; Liu, X.

2011-10-01

Thick SiC coatings of ˜100 μm on graphite tiles, prepared by chemical vapor infiltration of Si into the tiles and the following reactions between Si and C, are used as plasma facing material (PFM) on HT-7 superconducting tokamak and Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). With increase in the heating and driving power in EAST, the present plasma facing component (PFC) of the SiC/C tiles bolted to heat sink will be replaced by W coatings on actively cooled Cu heat sink, prepared by vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) adopting different interlayer. The VPS-W/Cu PFC with built-in cooling channels were prepared and mounted into the HT-7 acting as a movable limiter. Behavior of heat load onto the limiter and the material was studied. The Cu coatings on the Inconel 625 tubes were successfully prepared by high velocity air-fuel (HVAF) thermal spraying, being used as the liquid nitrogen (LN2) shields of the in-vessel cryopump for divertor pumping in EAST.

Research and development of plasma sprayed tungsten coating on graphite and copper substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiang; Zhang, Fu; Tao, Shunyan; Cao, Yunzhen; Xu, Zengyu; Liu, Yong; Noda, N.

2007-06-01

Vacuum plasma sprayed tungsten coating on graphite and copper substrates has been prepared. VPS-W coated graphite has multilayered silicon and tungsten interface pre-deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) and VPS-W coated copper has graded transition interlayer. VPS-W coating was characterized, and then the high heat flux properties of the coating were examined. Experimental results indicated that both VPS-W coated graphite and VPS-W coated copper could endure 1000 cycles without visible failure under a heat flux of approximately 5 MW/m2 absorbed power density and 5 s pulse duration. A comparison between the present VPS-W coated graphite and VPS-W coated carbon fiber composite (CX-2002U) with Re interface made by Plansee Aktiengesllshaft was carried out. Results show that both Re and Si are suitable as intermediate layer for tungsten coating on carbon substrates.

Microstructure Changes of Plasma Spraying Tungsten Coatings on Cfc after Different Temperature Annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, X.; Tamura, S.; Tokunaga, K.; Yoshida, N.; Noda, N.

2003-06-01

Thermal behaviors of tungsten coating of 0.5 mm thick with multi-layers interface of tungsten (W) and rhenium (Re) coated on CFC (CX-2002U) substrate by vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) technique were examined by annealing with an electron beam thermal load facility between 1200 °C and 2000 °C. Change of the microstructure was observed and its chemical composition was analyzed by EDS after annealing. It was observed that remarkable recrystallization of VPS-W occurred above 1400 °C. The structure of the multi-layers of W and Re become obscure by the mutual diffusion of W, Re and C above 1600°C and finally disappeared after annealing at 2000 °C for one hour. Very hard tungsten carbides are formed at the interface above 1600 °C and they were broadening with increasing annealing temperature and time.

Plasma-sprayed, self-lubricating coatings for use from cryogenic temperatures to 870 deg C (1600 deg F)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sliney, H. E.

1975-01-01

A plasma-sprayed coating is described with good lubricating properties over a wide temperature range. The coating, designated NASA LUBE PS101, contains silver, nichrome, calcium fluoride, and an oxidation protective glass. Oscillating tests were conducted of self-aligning, plain cylindrical bearings, in which the bore was lined with 0.025 cm (0.010 in.) thick coatings of PS101; these were conducted at a radial load of 3.5 x 10 to the 7th power N/sq m (5000 psi) in nitrogen gas at -107 C (-160 F), in vacuum at room temperature, and in air from room temperature to 870 C (1600 F). Friction coefficients were less than 0.25 in all cases and wear rates were low. The coating is not brittle, and it has adequate oxidation resistance in air to at least 870 C.

Thermal Expansion of Vacuum Plasma Sprayed Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raj, S V.; Palczer, A. R.

2010-01-01

Metallic Cu-8%Cr, Cu-26%Cr, Cu-8%Cr-1%Al, NiAl and NiCrAlY monolithic coatings were fabricated by vacuum plasma spray deposition processes for thermal expansion property measurements between 293 and 1223 K. The corrected thermal expansion, (DL/L(sub 0) varies with the absolute temperature, T, as (DL/L(sub 0) = A(T - 293)(sup 3) + BIT - 293)(sup 2) + C(T - 293) + D, where, A, B, C and D are thermal, regression constants. Excellent reproducibility was observed for all of the coatings except for data obtained on the Cu-8%Cr and Cu-26%Cr coatings in the first heat-up cycle, which deviated from those determined in the subsequent cycles. This deviation is attributed to the presence of residual stresses developed during the spraying of the coatings, which are relieved after the first heat-up cycle. In the cases of Cu-8%Cr and NiAl, the thermal expansion data were observed to be reproducible for three specimens. The linear expansion data for Cu-8% Cr and Cu-26%Cr agree extremely well with rule of mixture (ROM) predictions. Comparison of the data for the Cu-8%Cr coating with literature data for Cr and Cu revealed that the thermal expansion behavior of this alloy is determined by the Cu-rich matrix. The data for NiAl and NiCrAlY are in excellent agreement with published results irrespective of composition and the methods used for processing the materials. The implications of these results on coating GRCop-84 copper alloy combustor liners for reusable launch vehicles are discussed.

Spray forming of NiTi and NiTiPd shape-memory alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Ronald; Mabe, James; Ruggeri, Robert; Noebe, Ronald

2008-03-01

In the work to be presented, vacuum plasma spray forming has been used as a process to deposit and consolidate prealloyed NiTi and NiTiPd powders into near net shape actuators. Testing showed that excellent shape memory behavior could be developed in the deposited materials and the investigation proved that VPS forming could be a means to directly form a wide range of shape memory alloy components. The results of DSC characterization and actual actuation test results will be presented demonstrating the behavior of a Nitinol 55 alloy and a higher transition temperature NiTiPd alloy in the form of torque tube actuators that could be used in aircraft and aerospace controls.

Spray Forming of NiTi and NiTiPd Shape-Memory Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mabe, James; Ruggeri, Robert; Noebe, Ronald

2008-01-01

In the work to be presented, vacuum plasma spray forming has been used as a process to deposit and consolidate prealloyed NiTi and NiTiPd powders into near net shape actuators. Testing showed that excellent shape memory behavior could be developed in the deposited materials and the investigation proved that VPS forming could be a means to directly form a wide range of shape memory alloy components. The results of DSC characterization and actual actuation test results will be presented demonstrating the behavior of a Nitinol 55 alloy and a higher transition temperature NiTiPd alloy in the form of torque tube actuators that could be used in aircraft and aerospace controls.

Preheating temperature effect on tritium retention in VPS-W

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sato, M.; Uchimura, H.; Toda, K.

The W coating by Vacuum Plasma Spraying (VPS) technology is thought to be reasonable for most plasma facing components in future fusion reactors. In this paper the deuterium retention behavior for the Vacuum Plasma Spraying (VPS) tungsten (W) coating has been studied to demonstrate the tritium retention as a function of heating temperature. It has been found that two major deuterium desorption stages were observed at the temperature regions of 400 - 700 K (Stage 1) and 900 - 1100 K (Stage 2), considering that Stage 1 has been linked to the desorption of deuterium trapped by near surface andmore » intrinsic defects, and Stage 2 has been related to the desorption of deuterium bound to impurities as C-D bonds. By heating the sample above 673 K, the major peak of C-1s shifted from C-O bond to C-C bond, where the retention of deuterium as Stage 2 has increased. Therefore it indicates that the hydrogen isotope retention was controlled by the amount of C-C bond in VPS, most of which was contaminated during the VPS coating process. The comparison of several samples (VPS-W with shading, VPS-W without shading and Polycrystalline W (PCW)) shows that the carbon impurity has a large affinity with deuterium and makes stable trapping states compared to that with intrinsic defects and grain boundaries. However, most of them was reduced by heating at 1173 K. Therefore, heating treatment is quite important to get rid of carbon impurities and refrain higher tritium retention in VPS. (authors)« less

Effect of Thermal Treatment on High-Temperature Mechanical Properties Enhancement in LPPS, HVOF, and APS CoNiCrAlY Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waki, Hiroyuki; Kitamura, Takeshi; Kobayashi, Akira

2009-12-01

The mechanical properties of a MCrAlY coating significantly influence the initiation of cracks in the superalloy substrate under thermomechanical-fatigue conditions. Previous studies have developed a convenient method for evaluating the mechanical properties of sprayed coatings by lateral compression of a circular tube coating. This method does not need chucking, and manufacturing the free-standing coating is quite straightforward. In this study, the mechanical properties of the free-standing CoNiCrAlY coatings prepared using low-pressure plasma spraying (LPPS), high-velocity oxyfuel (HVOF) spraying, and atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) were systematically measured with the lateral compression method at room temperature through to 920 °C. The effect of postspray thermal treatments, in vacuum and in air, on the mechanical properties was investigated in the 400 to 1100 °C temperature range. It was found that high-temperature thermal treatment in air was effective in increasing the bending strength and Young’s modulus. It was especially effective on the APS coatings, which were produced using powders with average size 60 μm, and on HVOF coating, whose bending strengths increased by approximately three times. On the contrary, the enhancement in the LPPS and APS coatings produced with powders 21 μm in size was found to be approximately 1.6 times.

Plasma impregnation of wood with fire retardants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pabeliña, Karel G.; Lumban, Carmencita O.; Ramos, Henry J.

2012-02-01

The efficacy of chemical and plasma treatments with phosphate and boric compounds, and nitrogen as flame retardants on wood are compared in this study. The chemical treatment involved the conventional method of spraying the solution over the wood surface at atmospheric condition and chemical vapor deposition in a vacuum chamber. The plasma treatment utilized a dielectric barrier discharge ionizing and decomposing the flame retardants into innocuous simple compounds. Wood samples are immersed in either phosphoric acid, boric acid, hydrogen or nitrogen plasmas or a plasma admixture of two or three compounds at various concentrations and impregnated by the ionized chemical reactants. Chemical changes on the wood samples were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) while the thermal changes through thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Plasma-treated samples exhibit superior thermal stability and fire retardant properties in terms of highest onset temperature, temperature of maximum pyrolysis, highest residual char percentage and comparably low total percentage weight loss.

Erosion and Modifications of Tungsten-Coated Carbon and Copper Under High Heat Flux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiang; S, Tamura; K, Tokunaga; N, Yoshida; Zhang, Fu; Xu, Zeng-yu; Ge, Chang-chun; N, Noda

2003-08-01

Tungsten-coated carbon and copper was prepared by vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) and inert gas plasma spraying (IPS), respectively. W/CFC (Tungsten/Carbon Fiber-Enhanced material) coating has a diffusion barrier that consists of W and Re multi-layers pre-deposited by physical vapor deposition on carbon fiber-enhanced materials, while W/Cu coating has a graded transition interface. Different grain growth processes of tungsten coatings under stable and transient heat loads were observed, their experimental results indicated that the recrystallizing temperature of VPS-W coating was about 1400 °C and a recrystallized columnar layer of about 30 μm thickness was formed by cyclic heat loads of 4 ms pulse duration. Erosion and modifications of W/CFC and W/Cu coatings under high heat load, such as microstructure changes of interface, surface plastic deformations and cracks, were investigated, and the erosion mechanism (erosion products) of these two kinds of tungsten coatings under high heat flux was also studied.

Quality optimization of thermally sprayed coatings produced by the JP-5000 (HVOF) gun using mathematical modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tawfik, Hazem

1994-01-01

Currently, thermal barrier coatings (TBC) of gas-turbine blades and similar applications have centered around the use of zirconia as a protective coating for high thermal applications. The advantages of zirconia include low thermal conductivity and good thermal shock resistance. Thermally sprayed tungsten carbide hardface coatings are used for a wide range of applications spanning both the aerospace and other industrial markets. Major aircraft engine manufacturers and repair facilities use hardface coatings for original engine manufacture (OEM), as well as in the overhaul of critical engine components. The principle function of these coatings is to resist severe wear environments for such wear mechanisms as abrasion, adhesion, fretting, and erosion. The (JP-5000) thermal spray gun is the most advanced in the High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) systems. Recently, it has received considerable attention because of its relative low cost and its production of quality coatings that challenge the very successful but yet very expensive Vacuum Plasma Spraying (VPS) system. The quality of thermal spray coatings is enhanced as porosity, oxidation, residual stress, and surface roughness are reduced or minimized. Higher densification, interfacial bonding strength, hardness and wear resistance of coating are desirable features for quality improvement.

Microstructural Characteristics and Oxidation Behavior of Low-Pressure Cold-Sprayed CoNiCrAlY Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lin-wei; Lu, Lei; Wang, Lu; Ning, Xian-jin; Wang, Quan-sheng; Wang, Ri-xin

2017-10-01

CoNiCrAlY coatings were deposited by low-pressure cold spraying and subsequently heat-treated at 1050 °C for 4 h in a vacuum environment. The microstructural characteristics and oxidation behavior of CoNiCrAlY coatings were investigated. The as-sprayed coating exhibited low porosity and oxygen content. The high plastic deformation of the sprayed particles led to significant refinement of γ-matrix and dissolution of β-(Ni,Co)Al phase in the as-sprayed coating. After heat treatment, the single phase (γ) in the as-sprayed coating was converted into a γ/β microstructure, and a continuous single α-Al2O3 scale was formed on the coating surface. Vacuum heat treatment can postpone the formation of spinel oxides within 100 h. After being oxidized at 1050 °C for 400 h, the heat-treated coating exhibited better oxidation resistance than the as-sprayed coating. The reduced growth rate of the oxide scale and the suppression of the formation of spinel oxides can be attributed to the vacuum heat treatment, as well as the intrinsic microstructure of the cold-sprayed coating. Finally, the effects of the microstructural changes induced during the cold spraying process on the growth of the thermally grown oxide and the oxidation mechanisms of the CoNiCrAlY coatings were discussed.

Structure of a bimetallic strip produced by plasma spraying of a TiAl powder on a niobium sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Povarova, K. B.; Antonova, A. V.; Burmistrov, V. I.; Safronov, B. V.; Perfilov, L. S.; Chukanov, A. P.

2007-10-01

Ti-48 at % Al alloy granules produced by centrifugal spraying are milled into a powder with a particle size of 40 100 μm, and are applied onto a niobium foil using plasma spraying in an argon atmosphere. The fabricated TiAl/Nb bimetallic strip consists of a 100-μm-thick niobium layer and a porous 300-to 400-μm-thick TiAl layer formed by flattened particles. Directly after the preparation of the bimetallic strip, the surface of the TiAl porous layer is rough. Vacuum annealing at 1000, 1100, and 1200°C for 0.5 1.5 h leads to intense pore healing. After deposition and annealing, the interlayer adhesion is strong. The preparation of TiAl granules and spraying of the powder is accompanied by aluminum depletion of the Ti-48 at % Al alloy to 42 45 at % and an increase in the fraction of the α2-Ti3Al phase in the deposited layer. The prepared material has a duplex structure. An intermediate diffuse layer characterized by a variable composition and thickness is formed at the interface. This layer consists of two solid solutions; one of them, which is formed at the TiAl layer, is an α2-Ti3Al-based solid solution of niobium and the other, which is formed at the niobium foil, is a niobium-based solid solution of titanium and aluminum.

Process for forming exoergic structures with the use of a plasma

DOEpatents

Kelly, M.D.

1987-05-29

A method of forming exoergic structures, as well as exoergic structures produced by the method, is provided. The method comprises the steps of passing a plasma-forming gas through a plasma spray gun, forming a plasma spray, introducing exoergic material into the plasma spray and directing the plasma spray toward a substrate, and allowing the exoergic material to become molten in the plasma spray and to thereafter impinge on the substrate to form a solid mass of exoergic material, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the substrate.

Advanced Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS) for a Robust, Longlife and Safe Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holmes, Richard R.; Elam, Sandra K.; McKechnie, Timothy N.; Power, Christopher A.

2010-01-01

In 1984, the Vacuum Plasma Spray Lab was built at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center for applying durable, protective coatings to turbine blades for the space shuttle main engine (SSME) high pressure fuel turbopump. Existing turbine blades were cracking and breaking off after five hot fire tests while VPS coated turbine blades showed no wear or cracking after 40 hot fire tests. Following that, a major manufacturing problem of copper coatings peeling off the SSME Titanium Main Fuel Valve Housing was corrected with a tenacious VPS copper coating. A patented VPS process utilizing Functional Gradient Material (FGM) application was developed to build ceramic lined metallic cartridges for space furnace experiments, safely containing gallium arsenide at 1260 degrees centigrade. The VPS/FGM process was then translated to build robust, long life, liquid rocket combustion chambers for the space shuttle main engine. A 5K (5,000 Lb. thrust) thruster with the VPS/FGM protective coating experienced 220 hot firing tests in pristine condition with no wear compared to the SSME which showed blanching (surface pulverization) and cooling channel cracks in less than 30 of the same hot firing tests. After 35 of the hot firing tests, the injector face plates disintegrated. The VPS/FGM process was then applied to spraying protective thermal barrier coatings on the face plates which showed 50% cooler operating temperature, with no wear after 50 hot fire tests. Cooling channels were closed out in two weeks, compared to one year for the SSME. Working up the TRL (Technology Readiness Level) to establish the VPS/FGM process as viable technology, a 40K thruster was built and is currently being tested. Proposed is to build a J-2X size liquid rocket engine as the final step in establishing the VPS/FGM process TRL for space flight.

Surface cracking and melting of different tungsten grades under transient heat and particle loads in a magnetized coaxial plasma gun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, Y.; Sakuma, I.; Iwamoto, D.; Kitagawa, Y.; Fukumoto, N.; Nagata, M.; Ueda, Y.

2013-07-01

Surface damage of pure tungsten (W), W alloys with 2 wt.% tantalum (W-Ta) and vacuum plasma spray (VPS) W coating on a reduced activation material of ferritic steel (F82H) due to repetitive ELM-like pulsed (˜0.3 ms) deuterium plasma irradiation has been investigated by using a magnetized coaxial plasma gun. Surface cracks appeared on a pure W sample exposed to 10 plasma pulses of ˜0.3 MJ m-2, while a W-Ta sample did not show surface cracks with similar pulsed plasma irradiation. The energy density threshold for surface cracking was significantly increased by the existence of the alloying element of tantalum. No surface morphology change of a VPS W coated F82H sample was observed under 10 plasma pulses of ˜0.3 MJ m-2, although surface melting and cracks in the resolidification layer occurred at higher energy density of ˜0.9 MJ m-2. There was no indication of exfoliation of the W coating from the substrate of F82H after the pulsed plasma exposures.

Process for forming exoergic structures with the use of a plasma

DOEpatents

Kelly, Michael D.

1989-02-21

A method of forming exoergic structures, as well as exoergic structures produced by the method, is provided. The method comprises the steps of passing a plasma-forming gas through a plasma spray gun, forming a plasma spray, introducing exoergic material into the plasma spray and directing the plasma spray toward a substrate, and allowing the exoergic material to become molten, without chemically reacting in the plasma spray and to thereafter impinge on the substrate to form a solid mass of exoergic material, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the substrate.

Antimicrobial susceptibility and internalization of Salmonella Typhimurium in vacuum-tumbled marinated beef products.

PubMed

Pokharel, S; Brooks, J C; Martin, J N; Brashears, M M

2016-12-01

As the incidence of multidrug resistance (MDR) Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium is increasing, data regarding the antimicrobial interventions and pathogen internalization in marinated meat products are important. This study evaluated the antimicrobial intervention and internalization of Salm. Typhimurium in marinated beef sirloin steaks. Beef bottom sirloin flaps (IMPS #185A; USDA Select) inoculated (10 8  log 10  CFU ml -1 ) with Salm. Typhimurium were sprayed (lactic acid (4%) and buffered vinegar (2%)) prior to vacuum-tumbled marination (0·35% sodium chloride and 0·45% sodium tripolyphosphate) for 30 min. Pathogen presence after antimicrobial spray, vacuum-tumbled marination, and translocation was determined by direct plating on Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate (XLD) agar with tryptic soy agar (TSA) overlay. The data imply varied internalization and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Salm. Typhimurium in marinated meat. Lactic acid (4%) spray (P < 0·0001) and buffered vinegar (2%; P < 0·0001) reduced surface populations of Salm. Typhimurium on inoculated beef sirloin flaps prior to vacuum marination. However, lactic acid treated sirloin flaps had greater reductions (~2 log 10  CFU cm -2 ) than buffered vinegar when compared with control prior to vacuum marination. However, the translocation of Salm. Typhimurium following vacuum marination was not influenced (P < 0·333) by the application of a surface organic acid spray prior to marination. As detailed in the Federal Register FSIS final rule (9 CFR part 317), vacuum-marinated, vacuum-tumbled meat products are not designated as 'mechanically tenderized'. As such, the internalization and potential survival of Salmonella spp. in marinated beef products is a major concern. These results highlight the internalization of pathogens in vacuum-tumbled meat products and emphasize the importance of considering these products as nonintact. Similarly, these data confirm the efficacy and utility of interventions prior to vacuum-tumbled marination. Further research is needed to identify additional strategies to mitigate internalization and translocation of pathogens into vacuum-marinated meat products. © 2016 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Structure characterization and wear performance of NiTi thermal sprayed coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cinca, N.; Isalgué, A.; Fernández, J.; Guilemany, J. M.

2010-08-01

NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) has been studied for many years for its shape memory and pseudoelastic properties, as well as its biocompatibility, which make it suitable for many biomedical applications. However, SMA NiTi is also interesting for relevant wear resistance near the transition temperature which, along with its high oxidation and corrosion resistance, suggests its use as a coating to increase the lifetime of some components. Also, whereas bulk material properties have been characterized in respect of the nominal composition, manufacturing methods and thermo-mechanical treatments, NiTi overlays have been investigated much less. Most existent works in this field specifically deal with magnetron sputtering technology for thin films and its use in micro-devices (micro-electro-mechanical systems, MEMS), just some works refer to vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) for thicker coatings. The present paper explores and compares the microstructure and wear-related properties of coatings obtained from atomized NiTi powders, by VPS as well as by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) and high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) techniques. In the present case, the wear behaviour of the NiTi deposits has been studied by rubber-wheel equipment and ball-on-disk tests. The results obtained at room temperature show that the APS-quenched coatings exhibit a preferential dry sliding wear mechanism, while the VPS and HVOF coatings show an abrasive mechanism.

Method for fabricating beryllium structures

DOEpatents

Hovis, Jr., Victor M.; Northcutt, Jr., Walter G.

1977-01-01

Thin-walled beryllium structures are prepared by plasma spraying a mixture of beryllium powder and about 2500 to 4000 ppm silicon powder onto a suitable substrate, removing the plasma-sprayed body from the substrate and placing it in a sizing die having a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of the beryllium, exposing the plasma-sprayed body to a moist atmosphere, outgassing the plasma-sprayed body, and then sintering the plasma-sprayed body in an inert atmosphere to form a dense, low-porosity beryllium structure of the desired thin-wall configuration. The addition of the silicon and the exposure of the plasma-sprayed body to the moist atmosphere greatly facilitate the preparation of the beryllium structure while minimizing the heretofore deleterious problems due to grain growth and grain orientation.

Ultrasonic Spray Drying vs High Vacuum and Microwaves Technology for Blueberries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Candia-Muñoz, N.; Ramirez-Bunster, M.; Vargas-Hernández, Y.; Gaete-Garretón, L.

Interest in high quality foods: good taste and a high content of nutrients with healthy beneficial effects are increasing. Fruits have good properties but, they are lost because the oxidation process, additionally, for different reasons a 40% of harvested fruit are lost. To conserve the fruit properties an ultrasonic assisted spray dryer was developed and tested, comparing its results with microwave-vacuum drying technology. Results did shown taste, color, smell, particle shape and size distribution better than the conventional one. The antioxidants conservation were quite good except in the anthocyanins, in which the microwave and vacuum technology shown best results.

Status of National Spherical Torus Experiment Liquid Lithium Divertor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kugel, H. W.; Viola, M.; Ellis, R.; Bell, M.; Gerhardt, S.; Kaita, R.; Kallman, J.; Majeski, R.; Mansfield, D.; Roquemore, A. L.; Schneider, H.; Timberlake, J.; Zakharov, L.; Nygren, R. E.; Allain, J. P.; Maingi, R.; Soukhanovskii, V.

2009-11-01

Recent NSTX high power divertor experiments have shown significant and recurring benefits of solid lithium coatings on plasma facing components to the performance of divertor plasmas in both L- and H- mode confinement regimes heated by high-power neutral beams. The next step in this work is the 2009 installation of a Liquid Lithium Divertor (LLD). The 20 cm wide LLD located on the lower outer divertor, consists of four, 80 degree sections; each section is separated by a row of graphite diagnostic tiles. The temperature controlled LLD structure consists of a 0.01cm layer of vacuum flame-sprayed, 50 percent porous molybdenum, on top of 0.02 cm, 316-SS brazed to a 1.9 cm Cu base. The physics design of the LLD encompasses the desired plasma requirements, the experimental capabilities and conditions, power handling, radial location, pumping capability, operating temperature, lithium filling, MHD forces, and diagnostics for control and characterization.

High-Temperature Crystal-Growth Cartridge Tubes Made by VPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holmes, Richard; O'Dell, Scott; McKechnie, Timothy; Power, Christopher

2008-01-01

Cartridge tubes for use in a crystal growth furnace at temperatures as high as 1,600 deg. C have been fabricated by vacuum plasma spraying (VPS). These cartridges consist mainly of an alloy of 60 weight percent molybdenum with 40 weight percent rhenium, made from molybdenum powder coated with rhenium. This alloy was selected because of its high melting temperature (approximately equal.2,550 C) and because of its excellent ductility at room temperature. These cartridges are intended to supplant tungsten/nickel-alloy cartridges, which cannot be used at temperatures above approximately equal 1,300 C.

Plasma Spraying of Ceramics with Particular Difficulties in Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mauer, G.; Schlegel, N.; Guignard, A.; Jarligo, M. O.; Rezanka, S.; Hospach, A.; Vaßen, R.

2015-01-01

Emerging new applications and growing demands of plasma-sprayed coatings initiate the development of new materials. Regarding ceramics, often complex compositions are employed to achieve advanced material properties, e.g., high thermal stability, low thermal conductivity, high electronic and ionic conductivity as well as specific thermo-mechanical properties and microstructures. Such materials however, often involve particular difficulties in processing by plasma spraying. The inhomogeneous dissociation and evaporation behavior of individual constituents can lead to changes of the chemical composition and the formation of secondary phases in the deposited coatings. Hence, undesired effects on the coating characteristics are encountered. In this work, examples of such challenging materials are investigated, namely pyrochlores applied for thermal barrier coatings as well as perovskites for gas separation membranes. In particular, new plasma spray processes like suspension plasma spraying and plasma spray-physical vapor deposition are considered. In some cases, plasma diagnostics are applied to analyze the processing conditions.

Spray dried plasma as an alternative to antibiotics in piglet feeds, mode of action and biosafety.

PubMed

Pérez-Bosque, Anna; Polo, Javier; Torrallardona, David

2016-01-01

The use of growth promoting and therapeutic antibiotics in piglet feed has been a concerning subject over the last few decades because of the risk of generating antimicrobial resistance that could be transferred to humans. As a result, many products have been proposed as potential alternatives to the use of antibiotics, and among these, spray dried plasma is considered one of the most promising. However, there have been concerns about its biosafety, particularly during periods of emergence or re-emergence of swine diseases in different regions of the world, such as the recent porcine epidemic diarrhea virus outbreak in North America. The objectives of this paper are to review recent publications about the use of spray dried plasma as an alternative to antibiotics in weaned pig diets, the possible mechanisms of action of spray dried plasma, and the existing evidence related to the biosafety of spray dried animal plasma. Particular attention is given to studies in which spray dried plasma has been directly compared to antibiotics or other alternative antimicrobial products. Several studies on the possible modes of action for spray dried plasma, such as preservation of gut barrier function or modulation of the immune response, are also reviewed. Finally, the paper focuses on the review of the existing studies on the risks of disease transmission with the use of spray dried plasma from porcine origin. Overall, spray dried plasma is a promising alternative to in-feed antimicrobials for piglets, particularly during the early stages of the post-weaning phase. Additionally, there is enough evidence to support that commercial spray dried porcine plasma is a safe product for pigs.

Thermomechanical processing of plasma sprayed intermetallic sheets

DOEpatents

Hajaligol, Mohammad R.; Scorey, Clive; Sikka, Vinod K.; Deevi, Seetharama C.; Fleischhauer, Grier; Lilly, Jr., A. Clifton; German, Randall M.

2001-01-01

A powder metallurgical process of preparing a sheet from a powder having an intermetallic alloy composition such as an iron, nickel or titanium aluminide. The sheet can be manufactured into electrical resistance heating elements having improved room temperature ductility, electrical resistivity, cyclic fatigue resistance, high temperature oxidation resistance, low and high temperature strength, and/or resistance to high temperature sagging. The iron aluminide has an entirely ferritic microstructure which is free of austenite and can include, in weight %, 4 to 32% Al, and optional additions such as .ltoreq.1% Cr, .gtoreq.0.05% Zr .ltoreq.2% Ti, .ltoreq.2% Mo, .ltoreq.1% Ni, .ltoreq.0.75% C, .ltoreq.0.1% B, .ltoreq.1% submicron oxide particles and/or electrically insulating or electrically conductive covalent ceramic particles, .ltoreq.1% rare earth metal, and/or .ltoreq.3% Cu. The process includes forming a non-densified metal sheet by consolidating a powder having an intermetallic alloy composition such as by roll compaction, tape casting or plasma spraying, forming a cold rolled sheet by cold rolling the non-densified metal sheet so as to increase the density and reduce the thickness thereof and annealing the cold rolled sheet. The powder can be a water, polymer or gas atomized powder which is subjecting to sieving and/or blending with a binder prior to the consolidation step. After the consolidation step, the sheet can be partially sintered. The cold rolling and/or annealing steps can be repeated to achieve the desired sheet thickness and properties. The annealing can be carried out in a vacuum furnace with a vacuum or inert atmosphere. During final annealing, the cold rolled sheet recrystallizes to an average grain size of about 10 to 30 .mu.m. Final stress relief annealing can be carried out in the B2 phase temperature range.

Plasma sprayed ceria-containing interlayer

DOEpatents

Schmidt, Douglas S.; Folser, George R.

2006-01-10

A plasma sprayed ceria-containing interlayer is provided. The interlayer has particular application in connection with a solid oxide fuel cell used within a power generation system. The fuel cell advantageously comprises an air electrode, a plasma sprayed interlayer disposed on at least a portion of the air electrode, a plasma sprayed electrolyte disposed on at least a portion of the interlayer, and a fuel electrode applied on at least a portion of the electrolyte.

System for Continuous Deaeration of Hydraulic Oil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Christopher W.

2006-01-01

A system for continuous, rapid deaeration of hydraulic oil has been built to replace a prior system that effected deaeration more slowly in a cyclic pressure/ vacuum process. Such systems are needed because (1) hydraulic oil has an affinity for air, typically containing between 10 and 15 volume percent of air and (2) in the original application for which these systems were built, there is a requirement to keep the proportion of dissolved air below 1 volume percent because a greater proportion can lead to pump cavitation and excessive softness in hydraulic-actuator force-versus-displacement characteristics. In addition to overcoming several deficiencies of the prior deaeration system, the present system removes water from the oil. The system (see figure) includes a pump that continuously circulates oil at a rate of 10 gal/min (38 L/min) between an 80-gal (303-L) airless reservoir and a tank containing a vacuum. When the circulation pump is started, oil is pumped, at a pressure of 120 psi (827 kPa), through a venturi tube below the tank with a connection to a stand-pipe in the tank. This action draws oil out of the tank via the standpipe. At the same time, oil is sprayed into the tank in a fine mist, thereby exposing a large amount of oil to the vacuum. When the oil level in the tank falls below the lower of two level switches, a vacuum pump is started, drawing a hard vacuum on the tank through a trap that collects any oil and water entrained in the airflow. When the oil level rises above higher of the two level switches or when the system is shut down, a solenoid valve between the tank and the vacuum pump is closed to prevent suction of oil into the vacuum pump. Critical requirements that the system is designed to satisfy include the following: 1) The circulation pump must have sufficient volume and pressure to operate the venturi tube and spray nozzles. 2) The venturi tube must be sized to empty the tank (except for the oil retained by the standpipe) and maintain a vacuum against the vacuum pump. 3) The tank must be strong enough to withstand atmospheric pressure against the vacuum inside and must have sufficient volume to enable exposure of a sufficiently large amount of sprayed oil to the vacuum. 4) The spray nozzles must be sized to atomize the oil and to ensure that the rate of flow of sprayed oil does not exceed the rate at which the venturi action can empty the tank. 5) The vacuum pump must produce a hard vacuum against the venturi tube and continue to work when it ingests some oil and water. 6) Fittings must be made vacuum tight (by use of O-rings) to prevent leakage of air into the system. The system is fully automatic, and can be allowed to remain in operation with very little monitoring. It is capable of reducing the air content of the oil from 11 to less than 1 volume percent in about 4 hours and to keep the water content below 100 parts per million.

Plasma-sprayed CaTiSiO5 ceramic coating on Ti-6Al-4V with excellent bonding strength, stability and cellular bioactivity.

PubMed

Wu, Chengtie; Ramaswamy, Yogambha; Liu, Xuanyong; Wang, Guocheng; Zreiqat, Hala

2009-02-06

Novel Ca-Si-Ti-based sphene (CaTiSiO5) ceramics possess excellent chemical stability and cytocompatibility. The aim of this study was to prepare sphene coating on titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) for orthopaedic applications using the plasma spray method. The phase composition, surface and interface microstructure, coating thickness, surface roughness and bonding strength of the plasma-sprayed sphene coating were analysed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and the standard mechanical testing of the American Society for Testing and Materials, respectively. The results indicated that sphene coating was obtained with a uniform and dense microstructure at the interface of the Ti-6Al-4V surface and the thickness and surface roughness of the coating were approximately 150 and 10 microm, respectively. Plasma-sprayed sphene coating on Ti-6Al-4V possessed a significantly improved bonding strength and chemical stability compared with plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating. Plasma-sprayed sphene coating supported human osteoblast-like cell (HOB) attachment and significantly enhanced HOB proliferation and differentiation compared with plasma-sprayed HAp coating and uncoated Ti-6Al-4V. Taken together, plasma-sprayed sphene coating on Ti-6Al-4V possessed excellent bonding strength, chemical stability and cellular bioactivity, indicating its potential application for orthopaedic implants.

Plasma-sprayed CaTiSiO5 ceramic coating on Ti-6Al-4V with excellent bonding strength, stability and cellular bioactivity

PubMed Central

Wu, Chengtie; Ramaswamy, Yogambha; Liu, Xuanyong; Wang, Guocheng; Zreiqat, Hala

2008-01-01

Novel Ca-Si-Ti-based sphene (CaTiSiO5) ceramics possess excellent chemical stability and cytocompatibility. The aim of this study was to prepare sphene coating on titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) for orthopaedic applications using the plasma spray method. The phase composition, surface and interface microstructure, coating thickness, surface roughness and bonding strength of the plasma-sprayed sphene coating were analysed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and the standard mechanical testing of the American Society for Testing and Materials, respectively. The results indicated that sphene coating was obtained with a uniform and dense microstructure at the interface of the Ti-6Al-4V surface and the thickness and surface roughness of the coating were approximately 150 and 10 μm, respectively. Plasma-sprayed sphene coating on Ti-6Al-4V possessed a significantly improved bonding strength and chemical stability compared with plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating. Plasma-sprayed sphene coating supported human osteoblast-like cell (HOB) attachment and significantly enhanced HOB proliferation and differentiation compared with plasma-sprayed HAp coating and uncoated Ti-6Al-4V. Taken together, plasma-sprayed sphene coating on Ti-6Al-4V possessed excellent bonding strength, chemical stability and cellular bioactivity, indicating its potential application for orthopaedic implants. PMID:18664431

An evaluation of the electric arc spray and (HPPS) processes for the manufacturing of high power plasma spraying MCrAIY coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sacriste, D.; Goubot, N.; Dhers, J.; Ducos, M.; Vardelle, A.

2001-06-01

The high power plasma torch (PlazJet) can be used to spray refractory ceramics with high spray rates and deposition efficiency. It can provide dense and hard coating with high bond strengths. When manufacturing thermal barrier coatings, the PlazJet gun is well adapted to spraying the ceramic top coat but not the MCrAIY materials that are used as bond coat. Arc spraying can compete with plasma spraying for metallic coatings since cored wires can be used to spray alloys and composites. In addition, the high production rate of arc spraying enables a significant decrease in coating cost. This paper discusses the performances of the PlazJet gun, and a twin-wire are spray system, and compares the properties and cost of MCrAIY coatings made with these two processes. For arc spraying, the use of air or nitrogen as atomizing gas is also investigated.

Recent developments in plasma spray processes for applications in energy technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mauer, G.; Jarligo, M. O.; Marcano, D.; Rezanka, S.; Zhou, D.; Vaßen, R.

2017-03-01

This work focuses on recent developments of plasma spray processes with respect to specific demands in energy technology. High Velocity Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (HV-APS) is a novel variant of plasma spraying devoted to materials which are prone to oxidation or decomposition. It is shown how this process can be used for metallic bondcoats in thermal barrier coating systems. Furthermore, Suspension Plasma Spraying (SPS) is a new method to process submicron-sized feedstock powders which are not sufficiently flowable to feed them in dry state. SPS is presently promoted by the development of novel torch concepts with axial feedstock injection. An example for a columnar structured double layer thermal barrier coating is given. Finally, Plasma Spray-Physical Vapor Deposition (PS-PVD) is a novel technology operating in controlled atmosphere at low pressure and high plasma power. At such condition, vaporization even of high-melting oxide ceramics is possible enabling the formation of columnar structured, strain tolerant coatings with low thermal conductivity. Applying different conditions, the deposition is still dominated by liquid splats. Such process is termed Low Pressure Plasma Spraying-Thin Film (LPPS-TF). Two examples of applications are gas-tight and highly ionic and electronic conductive electrolyte and membrane layers which were deposited on porous metallic substrates.

The spray-drying process is sufficient to inactivate infectious porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in plasma.

PubMed

Gerber, Priscilla F; Xiao, Chao-Ting; Chen, Qi; Zhang, Jianqiang; Halbur, Patrick G; Opriessnig, Tanja

2014-11-07

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is considered an emergent pathogen associated with high economic losses in many pig rearing areas. Recently it has been suggested that PEDV could be transmitted to naïve pig populations through inclusion of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) into the nursery diet which led to a ban of SDPP in several areas in North America and Europe. To determine the effect of spray-drying on PEDV infectivity, 3-week-old pigs were intragastrically inoculated with (1) raw porcine plasma spiked with PEDV (RAW-PEDV-CONTROL), (2) porcine plasma spiked with PEDV and then spray dried (SD-PEDV-CONTROL), (3) raw plasma from PEDV infected pigs (RAW-SICK), (4) spray-dried plasma from PEDV infected pigs (SD-SICK), or (5) spray-dried plasma from PEDV negative pigs (SD-NEG-CONTROL). For the spray-drying process, a tabletop spray-dryer with industry-like settings for inlet and outlet temperatures was used. In the RAW-PEDV-CONTROL group, PEDV RNA was present in feces at day post infection (dpi) 3 and the pigs seroconverted by dpi 14. In contrast, PEDV RNA in feces was not detected in any of the pigs in the other groups including the SD-PEDV-CONTROL group and none of the pigs had seroconverted by termination of the project at dpi 28. This work provides direct evidence that the experimental spray-drying process used in this study was effective in inactivating infectious PEDV in the plasma. Additionally, plasma collected from PEDV infected pigs at peak disease did not contain infectious PEDV. These findings suggest that the risk for PEDV transmission through commercially produced SDPP is minimal. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Water sprays in space retrieval operations. [for despinning or detumbling disabled spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freesland, D. C.

1977-01-01

Recent experiments involving liquid jets exhausting into a vacuum have led to significant conclusions regarding techniques for detumbling and despinning disabled spacecraft during retrieval operations. A fine water spray directed toward a tumbling or spinning object may quickly form ice over its surface. The added mass of water will absorb angular momentum and slow the vehicle. As this ice sublimes it carries momentum away with it. Thus, a complete detumble or despin is possible by simply spraying water at a disabled vehicle. Experiments were conducted in a ground based vacuum chamber to determine physical properties of water-ice in a space-like environment. Additional ices, alcohol and ammonia, were also studied. An analytical analysis based on the conservation of angular momentum, resulted in despin performance parameters, i.e., total water mass requirements and despin times. The despin and retrieval of a disabled spacecraft was considered to illustrate a potential application of the water spray technique.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ctibor, Pavel; Kotlan, Jiri, E-mail: kotlan@ipp.cas.cz; Department of Electrotechnology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Technicka 2, Prague 6

Highlights: • Calcium titanate was sprayed by two different plasma spray systems. • Significant improvement of dielectric properties after annealing was observed. • Calcium titanate self-supporting parts can be fabricated by plasma spraying. - Abstract: This paper studies calcium titanate (CaTiO{sub 3}) dielectrics prepared by plasma spray technology. A water stabilized plasma gun (WSP) as well as a widely used gas stabilized plasma gun (GSP) were employed in this study to deposit three sample sets at different spray conditions. Prepared specimens were annealed in air at atmospheric pressure for 2 h at various temperatures from 530 to 1170 °C. X-raymore » diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and porosity measurements were used for sample characterization. Dielectric spectroscopy was applied to obtain relative permittivity, conductivity and loss factor frequency dependence. Band gap energy was estimated from reflectance measurements. The work is focused on the explanation of changes in microstructure and properties of a plasma sprayed deposit after thermal annealing. Obtained results show significant improvement of dielectric properties after thermal annealing.« less

Influence of grinding on service properties of VT-22 powder applied in additive technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakharov, M. N.; Rybalko, O. F.; Romanova, O. V.; Gelchinskiy, B. R.; Il'inykh, S. A.; Krashaninin, V. A.

2017-01-01

Powder of titanium alloy (VT-22) produced by plasma-spraying was subjected to grinding to obtain powder with size less 100 microns. These powders were sprayed by plasma unit using two types of gases, namely, air and air with methane (spraying in water and sputtering of coating on steel support). Influence of grinding time on yield of powder of required fraction was studied. Morphology and phase composition of the grinded powder and plasma sprayed one were under investigation. In the result of experiments, it appears that the grinding time genuinely influences the chemical and phase compositions, but there is no effect on physical-processing properties. For powders after plasma spraying some changes of non-metal elements content were detected by chemical analysis. Using gaseous mixture of air and methane in plasma spraying unit leads to formation of a new phase in the powder according X-ray diffraction data.

Coating Development for GRCop-84 Liners for Reusable Launch Vehicles Aided by Modeling Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raj, Sai V.; Ghosn, Louis J.

2004-01-01

The design of the next generation of reusable launch vehicles calls for using GRCop-84 copper alloy liners based on a composition invented at the NASA Glenn Research Center. Despite its considerable advantage over other copper alloys, it is expected that GRCop-84 will suffer from environmental degradation depending on the type of rocket fuels used and on thermomechanical fatigue. Applying protective coatings on GRCop-84 substrates can minimize or eliminate many of these problems and extend the operational life of the combustion liner. This could increase component reliability, shorten depot maintenance turnaround times, and lower operating costs. Therefore, Glenn is actively pursuing the development of advanced coatings technology for GRCop-84 liners. Technology is being developed in four major areas: (1) new metallic coating compositions, (2) application techniques, (3) test methods, and (4) life prediction design methodology using finite element analysis. The role of finite element analysis in guiding the coating effort is discussed in this report. Thermal analyses were performed at Glenn for different combinations of top- and bondcoat compositions to determine the temperature variation across the coated cross section with the thickness of the top coat. These calculations were conducted for simulated LH2/LO2 booster engine conditions assuming that the bond coat had a constant thickness of 50 m. The preceding graphs show the predicted temperatures at the outer surface of the top coat (hot wall), at the top-coat/bond-coat interface, at the bond-coat/GRCop-84 interface, and at the GRCop-84 cold wall as a function of top-coat thickness for Cu- 26(wt%)Cr top coat (top graph), Ni-17(wt%)Cr-6%Al-0.5%Y top coat and Cu-26%Cr bond coat, and NiAl top coat and Ni bond coat. In all cases, the temperature of the top coat at the hot wall increased with increasing top-coat thickness and with corresponding decreases in the temperatures at the two interfaces and the cold wall. These temperatures are not acutely sensitive to the thermal conductivity of the top coat when it exceeds 25 and 50 W/m/K for low and high heat flux engines. This observation is significant for two reasons. First, several different top-coat compositions can be evaluated as potential protective coatings without loss in the heat-transfer efficiency of the coated system. Second, materials with thermal conductivities less than the critical values of 25 or 50 W/m/K are more likely to act as thermal barrier coatings. The deposition of overlay coatings on GRCop-84 substrates results in the development of residual stresses. The presence of these residual stresses influences the probability of coating spallation, the thermal cycling life, and the fatigue properties of the coated substrate during use. Since it is important to understand how these stresses develop during the vacuum-plasma-spraying coating deposition process, the nature and magnitudes of the cool-down residual stresses were calculated and compared with experimentally determined values across the coated cross section of a disk specimen. The calculations were conducted assuming that the specimen cools down to room temperature from vacuum plasma-spraying temperatures of either 250 or 650 C. The effects of coating the substrate with and without grit blasting were also theoretically examined. The final graph compares the predicted and the experimental results for a GRCop-84 disk coated with about a 50- m-thick Ni bond coat and a 75- to 100- m NiAl top coat, where the curves for NASA-2 assume the presence of a prior residual stress generated by grit blasting under conditions similar to the experimental situation. The predicted cool-down in-plane stresses were compressive in both the NiAl top coat and the Ni bond coat. They were also compressive in the substrate to a depth of about 0.25 mm from the Ni/GRCop-84 interface when the vacuum-plasma-spraying temperature was low. However, using a higher plasma spraying temperaturs likely to leave the substrate under a small tensile stress to counter the compressive stresses in the bond and top coats because of the relaxation of residual stresses generated in the substrate during the grit blasting of its surface prior to spraying. These results suggest that the NiAl and Ni coatings are unlikely to spall after spraying as confirmed by the microstructural observations shown in the following photomicrograph of an as-sprayed specimen. Finally, it is noted that the calculated and experimental results are not in complete agreement, which indicates that both the experimental and modeling techniques need further refinement.

Mathematical simulation of surface heating during plasma spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogdanovich, V. I.; Giorbelidze, M. G.

2017-02-01

A mathematical model of temperature distribution over the flat ‘coating-substrate’ system section during plasma spraying, taking into account a plasma gun travel and coating buildup has been developed. It has been shown that the temperature value in the near-surface layer of the sprayed coating during the plasma gun passage can significantly exceed the temperature values in underlayers.

Interaction Studies of Ceramic Vacuum Plasma Spraying for the Melting Crucible Materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jong Hwan Kim; Hyung Tae Kim; Yoon Myung Woo

2013-10-01

Candidate coating materials for re-usable metallic nuclear fuel crucibles, TaC, TiC, ZrC, ZrO2, and Y2O3, were plasmasprayed onto a niobium substrate. The microstructure of the plasma-sprayed coatings and thermal cycling behavior were characterized, and U-Zr melt interaction studies were carried out. The TaC and Y2O3 coating layers had a uniform thickness, and high density with only a few small closed pores showing good consolidation, while the ZrC, TiC, and ZrO2 coatings were not well consolidated with a considerable amount of porosity. Thermal cycling tests showed that the adhesion of the TiC, ZrC, and ZrO2 coating layers with niobium was relativelymore » weak compared to the TaC and Y2O3 coatings. The TaC and Y2O3 coatings had better cycling characteristics with no interconnected cracks. In the interaction studies, ZrC and ZrO2 coated rods showed significant degradations after exposure to U-10 wt.% Zr melt at 1600 degrees C for 15 min., but TaC, TiC, and Y2O3 coatings showed good compatibility with U-Zr melt.« less

A study of processing parameters in thermal-sprayed alumina and zircon mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y.; Khor, K. A.

2002-06-01

A method of plasma spraying of alumina and zircon mixtures to form ZrO2-mullite composites has been proposed and developed. The feedstock is prepared by a combination of mechanical alloying, which allows formation of fine-grained, homogeneous solid-solution mixtures, followed by plasma spheroidization that yields rapid solidified microstructures and enhanced compositional homogeneity. The effects of ball-milling duration and milling media were studied. It was found that zirconia is a more efficient milling media and that increasing milling duration enhanced the dissociation of zircon. Flame spray and plasma spray processes were used to spheroidize the spray-dried powders. The temperature of the flame spray was found to be insufficient to melt the powders completely. The processing parameters of the plasma spray played an important role in zircon decomposition and mullite formation. Increasing the arc current or reducing secondary gas pressure caused more zircon to decompose and more mullite to form after heat treatment at 1200 °C for 3 h. Dissociation of zircon and the amount of mullite for med can be enhanced significantly when using the more efficient, computerized plasma-spraying system and increasing the ball-milling duration from 4 to 8 h.

Researching the Possibility of Creating Highly Effective Catalysts for the Thermochemical Heat Regeneration and Hydrocarbon Reforming

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE PLASMA SPRAYING PROCESS The sprayed -on material is formed by gradual deposition of separate discretely solidifying with great... deposition processes and their ecological purity. Essentially, the method of ion-plasma spraying is evaporation of a metal (or alloy ) atoms from the...29 5.1 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE PLASMA SPRAYING PROCESS ...................34 6. CATALYST SUPPORTERS FOR THE 1ST STAGE OF

T55-L-712 turbine engine compressor housing refurbishment-plasma spray project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leissler, George W.; Yuhas, John S.

1988-01-01

A study was conducted to assess the feasibility of reclaiming T55-L-712 turbine engine compressor housings with an 88 wt percent aluminum to 12 wt percent silicon alloy applied by a plasma spray process. Tensile strength testing was conducted on as-sprayed and thermally cycled test specimens which were plasma sprayed with 0.020 to 0.100 in. coating thicknesses. Satisfactory tensile strength values were observed in the as-sprayed tensile specimens. There was essentially no decrease in tensile strength after thermally cycling the tensile specimens. Furthermore, compressor housings were plasma sprayed and thermally cycled in a 150-hr engine test and a 200-hr actual flight test during which the turbine engine was operated at a variety of loads, speeds and torques. The plasma sprayed coating system showed no evidence of degradation or delamination from the compressor housings. As a result of these tests, a procedure was designed and developed for the application of an aluminum-silicon alloy in order to reclaim T55-L-712 turbine engine compressor housings.

Nitrite spray treatment to promote red color stability of vacuum packaged beef.

PubMed

Song, Xiao; Cornforth, Daren; Whittier, Dick; Luo, Xin

2015-01-01

Sodium nitrite solutions were sprayed on select grade boneless rib (M. longissimus thoracis) and bottom round (mainly M. biceps femoris) steaks individually, to form bright red nitric oxide myoglobin (NO-Mb) in vacuum packages. Our objective was to determine the optimum level of nitrite in spray for stable raw steak redness, low or no residual nitrite, and low surface pinking (ham-like cured color) after cooking. Results showed that steaks sprayed with 100-350 ppm nitrite solutions had 3.0-3.6g weight gain and a calculated level of 1.3-5.3mg nitrite added/kg steak, but very low (<1 ppm) residual nitrite. Nitrite sprays of 250-350 ppm were optimum for raw steak color during 21 days of storage at 1°C (a*>10; chroma C*>16). Raw steak redness was less stable in round than rib. Visual scores for pinkness after cooking were low, indicating that cooked color at even the highest nitrite treatment (350 ppm) was acceptable. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of Cold-Sprayed, Warm-Sprayed, and Plasma-Sprayed Layers Deposition on Fatigue Properties of Steel Specimens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cizek, J.; Matejkova, M.; Dlouhy, I.; Siska, F.; Kay, C. M.; Karthikeyan, J.; Kuroda, S.; Kovarik, O.; Siegl, J.; Loke, K.; Khor, Khiam Aik

2015-06-01

Titanium powder was deposited onto steel specimens using four thermal spray technologies: plasma spray, low-pressure cold spray, portable cold spray, and warm spray. The specimens were then subjected to strain-controlled cyclic bending test in a dedicated in-house built device. The crack propagation was monitored by observing the changes in the resonance frequency of the samples. For each series, the number of cycles corresponding to a pre-defined specimen cross-section damage was used as a performance indicator. It was found that the grit-blasting procedure did not alter the fatigue properties of the steel specimens (1% increase as compared to as-received set), while the deposition of coatings via all four thermal spray technologies significantly increased the measured fatigue lives. The three high-velocity technologies led to an increase of relative lives to 234% (low-pressure cold spray), 210% (portable cold spray), and 355% (warm spray) and the deposition using plasma spray led to an increase of relative lives to 303%. The observed increase of high-velocity technologies (cold and warm spray) could be attributed to a combination of homogeneous fatigue-resistant coatings and induction of peening stresses into the substrates via the impingement of the high-kinetic energy particles. Given the intrinsic character of the plasma jet (low-velocity impact of semi/molten particles) and the mostly ceramic character of the coating (oxides, nitrides), a hypothesis based on non-linear coatings behavior is provided in the paper.

Ceramic plasma-sprayed coating of melting crucibles for casting metal fuel slugs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

K.H. Kim; C.T. Lee; C.B. Lee

2013-10-01

Thermal cycling and melt reaction studies of ceramic coatings plasma-sprayed on Nb substrates were carried out to evaluate the performance of barrier coatings for metallic fuel casting applications. Thermal cycling tests of the ceramic plasma-sprayed coatings to 1450 degrees C showed that HfN, TiC, ZrC, and Y2O3 coating had good cycling characteristics with few interconnected cracks even after 20 cycles. Interaction studies by 1550 degrees C melt dipping tests of the plasma-sprayed coatings also indicated that HfN and Y2O3 do not form significant reaction layer between U–20 wt.% Zr melt and the coating layer. Plasma-sprayed Y2O3 coating exhibited the mostmore » promising characteristics among HfN, TiC, ZrC, and Y2O3 coating.« less

High-Performance Molybdenum Coating by Wire–HVOF Thermal Spray Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tailor, Satish; Modi, Ankur; Modi, S. C.

2018-04-01

Coating deposition on many industrial components with good microstructural, mechanical properties, and better wear resistance is always a challenge for the thermal spray community. A number of thermal spray methods are used to develop such promising coatings for many industrial applications, viz. arc spray, flame spray, plasma, and HVOF. All these processes have their own limitations to achieve porous free, very dense, high-performance wear-resistant coatings. In this work, an attempt has been made to overcome this limitation. Molybdenum coatings were deposited on low-carbon steel substrates using wire-high-velocity oxy-fuel (W-HVOF; WH) thermal spray system (trade name HIJET 9610®). For a comparison, Mo coatings were also fabricated by arc spray, flame spray, plasma spray, and powder-HVOF processes. As-sprayed coatings were analyzed using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy for phase, and microstructural analysis, respectively. Coating microhardness, surface roughness, and porosity were also measured. Adhesion strength and wear tests were conducted to determine the mechanical and wear properties of the as-sprayed coatings. Results show that the coatings deposited by W-HVOF have better performance in terms of microstructural, mechanical, and wear resistance properties, in comparison with available thermal spray process (flame spray and plasma spray).

Production and characterization of micron-sized filaments of solid argon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grams, Michael; Stasicki, Boleslaw; Toennies, J. Peter

2005-12-01

A continuous 50-μm-diam filament of solid argon is produced in a moderate vacuum (4.2×10-3mbar) by cooling argon gas to 70-90K over the last 8mm of a long fused silica capillary. Prior to formation of the straight filament the jet shows different stages characterized by spraying, snowballing, or spiraling filaments as documented by charge-coupled device (CCD) camera microscope pictures. Consecutive CCD pictures are used to measure the filament velocities, which increase with the driving gas pressure P0 up to about 4.0cm/s at P0=400bars with an intermediate peak at about 80bars. This technique may find applications for producing wall-less cryogenic matrices, targets for laser plasma sources of extreme UV and soft-x-ray sources, plasma implosion experiments, or H2 pellets for injection into fusion reactors.

Microminiature coaxial cable and methods manufacture

DOEpatents

Bongianni, Wayne L.

1986-01-01

A coaxial cable is provided having a ribbon inner conductor surrounded by a dielectric and a circumferential conductor. The coaxial cable may be microminiature comprising a very thin ribbon strip conductor from between 5 to 15 .mu.m thick and from 150 to 200 .mu.m wide, having a surrounding foamed dielectric or parylene applied thereon by a vapor plasma process and an outer conductor of an adhering high conductivity metal vacuum deposited on the dielectric. Alternately the foam dielectric embodiment may have a contiguous parylene coating applied adjacent the inner conductor or the outer conductor or both. Also, the cable may be fabricated by forming a thin ribbon of strip conductive material into an inner conductor, applying thereabout a dielectric by spraying on a solution of polystyrene and polyethylene and then vacuum depositing and adhering high conductivity metal about the dielectric. The cable strength may be increased by adding glass microfilament fibers or glass microballoons to the solution of polystyrene and polyethylene. Further, the outer conductive layer may be applied by electroless deposition in an aqueous solution rather than by vacuum deposition. A thin coating of parylene is preferably applied to the outer conductor to prevent its oxidation and inhibit mechanical abrasion.

Microminiature coaxial cable and method of manufacture

DOEpatents

Bongianni, W.L.

1989-03-28

A coaxial cable is provided having a ribbon inner conductor surrounded by a dielectric and a circumferential conductor. The coaxial cable may be microminiature comprising a very thin ribbon strip conductor from between 5 to 15 [mu]m thick and from 150 to 200 [mu]m wide, having a surrounding foamed dielectric or parylene applied thereon by a vapor plasma process and an outer conductor of an adhering high conductivity metal vacuum deposited on the dielectric. Alternately, the foam dielectric embodiment may have a contiguous parylene coating applied adjacent the inner conductor or the outer conductor or both. Also, the cable may be fabricated by forming a thin ribbon of strip conductive material into an inner conductor, applying thereabout a dielectric by spraying on a solution of polystyrene and polyethylene and then vacuum depositing and adhering high conductivity metal about the dielectric. The cable strength may be increased by adding glass microfilament fibers or glass microspheres to the solution of polystyrene and polyethylene. Further, the outer conductive layer may be applied by electroless deposition in an aqueous solution rather than by vacuum deposition. A thin coating of parylene is preferably applied to the outer conductor to prevent its oxidation and inhibit mechanical abrasion. 2 figs.

Microminiature coaxial cable and method of manufacture

DOEpatents

Bongianni, Wayne L.

1989-01-01

A coaxial cable is provided having a ribbon inner conductor surrounded by a dielectric and a circumferential conductor. The coaxial cable may be microminiature comprising a very thin ribbon strip conductor from between 5 to 15 .mu.m thick and from 150 to 200 .mu.m wide, having a surrounding foamed dielectric or parylene applied thereon by a vapor plasma process and an outer conductor of an adhering high conductivity metal vacuum deposited on the dielectric. Alternately, the foam dielectric embodiment may have a contiguous parylene coating applied adjacent the inner conductor or the outer conductor or both. Also, the cable may be fabricated by forming a thin ribbon of strip conductive material into an inner conductor, applying thereabout a dielectric by spraying on a solution of polystyrene and polyethylene and then vacuum depositing and adhering high conductivity metal about the dielectric. The cable strength may be increased by adding glass microfilament fibers or glass microspheres to the solution of polystyrene and polyethylene. Further, the outer conductive layer may be applied by electroless deposition in an aqueous solution rather than by vacuum deposition. A thin coating of parylene is preferably applied to the outer conductor to prevent its oxidation and inhibit mechanical abrasion.

Microminiature coaxial cable and methods of manufacture

DOEpatents

Bongianni, W.L.

1983-12-29

A coaxial cable is provided having a ribbon inner conductor surrounded by a dielectric and a circumferential conductor. The coaxial cable may be microminiature comprising a very thin ribbon strip conductor from between 5 to 15 ..mu..m thick and from 150 to 200 ..mu..m wide, having a surrounding foamed dielectric or parylene applied thereon by a vapor plasma process and an outer conductor of an adhering high conductivity metal vacuum deposited on the dieleectric. Alternately the foam dielectric embodiment may have a contiguous parylene coating applied adjacent the inner conductor or the outer conductor or both. Also, the cable may be fabricated by forming a thin ribbon of strip conductive material into an inner conductor, applying thereabout a dielectric by spraying on a solution of polystyrene and polyethylene and then vacuum depositing and adhering high conductivity metal about the dielectric. The cable strength may be increased by adding glass microfilament fibers or glass microballoons to the solution of polystyrene and polyethylene. Further, the outer conductive layer may be applied by electroless deposition in an aqueous solution rather than by vacuum deposition. A thin coating of parylene is preferably applied to the outer conductor to prevent its oxidation and inhibit mechanical abrasion.

Microminiature coaxial cable and methods manufacture

DOEpatents

Bongianni, W.L.

1986-04-08

A coaxial cable is provided having a ribbon inner conductor surrounded by a dielectric and a circumferential conductor. The coaxial cable may be microminiature comprising a very thin ribbon strip conductor from between 5 to 15 [mu]m thick and from 150 to 200 [mu]m wide, having a surrounding foamed dielectric or parylene applied thereon by a vapor plasma process and an outer conductor of an adhering high conductivity metal vacuum deposited on the dielectric. Alternately the foam dielectric embodiment may have a contiguous parylene coating applied adjacent the inner conductor or the outer conductor or both. Also, the cable may be fabricated by forming a thin ribbon of strip conductive material into an inner conductor, applying thereabout a dielectric by spraying on a solution of polystyrene and polyethylene and then vacuum depositing and adhering high conductivity metal about the dielectric. The cable strength may be increased by adding glass microfilament fibers or glass microballoons to the solution of polystyrene and polyethylene. Further, the outer conductive layer may be applied by electroless deposition in an aqueous solution rather than by vacuum deposition. A thin coating of parylene is preferably applied to the outer conductor to prevent its oxidation and inhibit mechanical abrasion. 2 figs.

The influence of pore formers on the microstructure of plasma-sprayed NiO-YSZ anodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poon, Michael; Kesler, Olivera

2012-07-01

Four types of pore formers: high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), mesocarbon-microbead (MCMB) carbon powder, and baking flour, are processed and characterized, then incorporated with NiO-YSZ nano-agglomerate powder to produce plasma sprayed SOFC anode coatings. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the coating microstructure, gas permeability measurements, and porosity determinations by image analysis are used to evaluate the effectiveness of each potential pore former powder. Under the spray conditions studied, the flour and MCMB pore former powders are effective as plasma sprayed pore formers, increasing the permeability of the coatings by factors of four and two, respectively, compared to a similarly sprayed NiO-YSZ coating without pore formers. The HDPE powder is unable to survive the plasma spray process and does not contribute to the final coating porosity. The PEEK pore former, though ineffective with the current powder characteristics and spray parameters, exhibits the highest relative deposition efficiency and the most favorable thermal characteristics.

Formation of high heat resistant coatings by using gas tunnel type plasma spraying.

PubMed

Kobayashi, A; Ando, Y; Kurokawa, K

2012-06-01

Zirconia sprayed coatings are widely used as thermal barrier coatings (TBC) for high temperature protection of metallic structures. However, their use in diesel engine combustion chamber components has the long run durability problems, such as the spallation at the interface between the coating and substrate due to the interface oxidation. Although zirconia coatings have been used in many applications, the interface spallation problem is still waiting to be solved under the critical conditions such as high temperature and high corrosion environment. The gas tunnel type plasma spraying developed by the author can make high quality ceramic coatings such as Al2O3 and ZrO2 coating compared to other plasma spraying method. A high hardness ceramic coating such as Al2O3 coating by the gas tunnel type plasma spraying, were investigated in the previous study. The Vickers hardness of the zirconia (ZrO2) coating increased with decreasing spraying distance, and a higher Vickers hardness of about Hv = 1200 could be obtained at a shorter spraying distance of L = 30 mm. ZrO2 coating formed has a high hardness layer at the surface side, which shows the graded functionality of hardness. In this study, ZrO2 composite coatings (TBCs) with Al2O3 were deposited on SS304 substrates by gas tunnel type plasma spraying. The performance such as the mechanical properties, thermal behavior and high temperature oxidation resistance of the functionally graded TBCs was investigated and discussed. The resultant coating samples with different spraying powders and thickness are compared in their corrosion resistance with coating thickness as variables. Corrosion potential was measured and analyzed corresponding to the microstructure of the coatings. High Heat Resistant Coatings, Gas Tunnel Type Plasma Spraying, Hardness,

Hydrogen permeation properties of plasma-sprayed tungsten*1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderl, R. A.; Pawelko, R. J.; Hankins, M. R.; Longhurst, G. R.; Neiser, R. A.

1994-09-01

Tungsten has been proposed as a plasma-facing component material for advanced fusion facilities. This paper reports on laboratory-scale studies that were done to assess the hydrogen permeation properties of plasma-sprayed tungsten for such applications. The work entailed deuterium permeation measurements for plasma-sprayed (PS) tungsten coatings, sputter-deposited (SP) tungsten coatings, and steel substrate material using a mass-analyzed, 3 keV D 3+ ion beam with fluxes of ˜6.5 × 10 19 D/m 2 s. Extensive characterization analyses for the plasma-sprayed tungsten coatings were made using Auger spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Observed permeation rates through composite PS-tungsten/steel specimens were several orders of magnitude below the permeation levels observed for SP-tungsten/steel composite specimens and pure steel specimens. Characterization analyses indicated that the plasma-sprayed tungsten coating had a nonhomogeneous microstructure that consisted of splats with columnar solidification, partially-melted particles with grain boundaries, and void regions. Reduced permeation levels can be attributed to the complex microstructure and a substantial surface-connected porosity.

NLS propulsion - Government view

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smelser, Jerry W.

1992-01-01

The paper discusses the technology development for the Space Transportation Main Engine (STME). The STME is a liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen engine with 650,000 pounds of thrust, which may be flown in single-engine or multiple-engine configurations, depending upon the payload and mission requirements. The technological developments completed so far include a vacuum plasma spray process, the liquid interface diffusion bonding, and a thin membrane platelet technology for the combustion chamber fabrication; baseline designs for the hydrogen turbopump and the oxygen pump; and the engine control system. The family of spacecraft for which this engine is being developed includes a 20,000 pound payload to LEO and a 150,000 pound to LEO vehicle.

Blanch Resistant and Thermal Barrier NiAl Coating Systems for Advanced Copper Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raj, Sai V. (Inventor)

2005-01-01

A method of forming an environmental resistant thermal barrier coating on a copper alloy is disclosed. The steps include cleansing a surface of a copper alloy, depositing a bond coat on the cleansed surface of the copper alloy, depositing a NiAl top coat on the bond coat and consolidating the bond coat and the NiAl top coat to form the thermal barrier coating. The bond coat may be a nickel layer or a layer composed of at least one of copper and chromium-copper alloy and either the bond coat or the NiAl top coat or both may be deposited using a low pressure or vacuum plasma spray.

Effect of drying, storage temperature and air exposure on astaxanthin stability from Haematococcus pluvialis.

PubMed

Ahmed, Faruq; Li, Yan; Fanning, Kent; Netzel, Michael; Schenk, Peer M

2015-08-01

Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant with various health benefits such as prevention of age-related macular degeneration and improvement of the immune system, liver and heart function. To improve the post-harvesting stability of astaxanthin used in food, feed and nutraceutical industries, the biomass of the high astaxanthin producing alga Haematococcus pluvialis was dried by spray- or freeze-drying and under vacuum or air at -20°C to 37°C for 20weeks. Freeze-drying led to 41% higher astaxanthin recovery compared to commonly-used spray-drying. Low storage temperature (-20°C, 4°C) and vacuum-packing also showed higher astaxanthin stability with as little as 12.3±3.1% degradation during 20weeks of storage. Cost-benefit analysis showed that freeze-drying followed by vacuum-packed storage at -20°C can generate AUD$600 higher profit compared to spray-drying from 100kgH. pluvialis powder. Therefore, freeze-drying can be suggested as a mild and more profitable method for ensuring longer shelf life of astaxanthin from H. pluvialis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photoluminescence in Spray Pyrolysis Deposited β-In2S3 Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayakrishnan, R.

2018-04-01

Spray pyrolysis deposited In2S3 thin films exhibit two prominent photoluminescent emissions. One of the emissions is green in color and centered at around ˜ 540 nm and the other is centered at around ˜ 690 nm and is red in color. The intensity of the green emission decreases when the films are subjected to annealing in air or vacuum. The intensity of red emission increases when films are air annealed and decreases when vacuum annealed. Vacuum annealing leads to an increase in work function whereas air annealing leads to a decrease in work function for this thin film system relative to the as deposited films indicating changes in space charge regions. Surface photovoltage analysis using a Kelvin probe leads to the conclusion that inversion of band bending occurs as a result of annealing. Correlating surface contact potential measurements using a Kelvin probe, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoluminescence, we conclude that the surface passivation plays a critical role in controlling the photoluminescence from the spray pyrolysis deposited for In2S3 thin films.

Investigating Tribological Characteristics of HVOF Sprayed AISI 316 Stainless Steel Coating by Pulsed Plasma Nitriding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mindivan, H.

2018-01-01

In this study, surface modification of aluminum alloy using High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) thermal spray and pulsed plasma nitriding processes was investigated. AISI 316 stainless steel coating on 1050 aluminum alloy substrate by HVOF process was pulsed plasma nitrided at 793 K under 0.00025 MPa pressure for 43200 s in a gas mixture of 75 % N2 and 25 % H2. The results showed that the pulse plasma nitriding process produced a surface layer with CrN, iron nitrides (Fe3N, Fe4N) and expanded austenite (γN). The pulsed plasma nitrided HVOF-sprayed coating showed higher surface hardness, lower wear rate and coefficient of friction than the untreated HVOF-sprayed one.

[The spectra of a laser-produced plasma source with CO2, O2 and CF4 liquid aerosol spray target].

PubMed

Ni, Qi-Liang; Chen, Bo

2008-11-01

A laser-produced plasma (LPP) source with liquid aerosol spray target and nanosecond laser was developed, based on both soft X-ray radiation metrology and extreme ultraviolet projection lithography (EUVL). The LPP source is composed of a stainless steel solenoid valve whose temperature can be continuously controlled, a Nd : YAG laser with pulse width, working wavelength and pulse energy being 7 ns, 1.064 microm and 1J respectively, and a pulse generator which can synchronously control the valve and the laser. A standard General Valve Corporation series 99 stainless steel solenoid valve with copper gasket seals and a Kel-F poppet are used in order to minimize leakage and poppet deformation during high-pressure cryogenic operation. A close fitting copper cooling jacket surrounds the valve body. The jacket clamps a copper coolant carrying tube 3 mm in diameter, which is fed by an automatically pressurized liquid nitrogen-filled dewar. The valve temperature can be controlled between 77 and 473 K. For sufficiently high backing pressure and low temperature, the valve reservoir gas can undergo a gas-to-liquid phase transition. Upon valve pulsing, the liquid is ejected into a vacuum and breaks up into droplets, which is called liquid aerosol spray target. For the above-mentioned LPP source, firstly, by the use of Cowan program on the basis of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, the authors computed the radiative transition wavelengths and probabilities in soft X-ray region for O4+, O5+, O6+, O7+, F5+, F6+ and F7+ ions which were correspondingly produced from the interaction of the 10(11)-10(12) W x cm(-2) power laser with liquid O2, CO2 and CF4 aerosol spray targets. Secondly, the authors measured the spectra of liquid O2, CO2 and CF4 aerosol spray target LPP sources in the 6-20 nm band for the 8 x 10(11) W x cm(-2) laser irradiance. The measured results were compared with the Cowan calculated results ones, and the radiative transition wavelength and probability for the measured spectral lines were obtained.

Effects of chilling rate and spray-chilling on weight loss and tenderness in beef strip loin steaks.

PubMed

Prado, C S; de Felício, P E

2010-10-01

We evaluated the effects of chilling rate and the use of a spray-chilling system on the weight loss by evaporation on carcasses. We also evaluated the effects on meat purge in vacuum package, cooking losses, and on parameters related to the tenderness of strip loin steaks (M. longissimus lumborum). Forty non-castrated males of approximately 12 months old, finished in feed-lot were harvested in 16 Montana cattle (a composite breed), and 24 SimmentalxNellore crossbred cattle. After bleeding, the bodies were electrically stimulated and assigned to one of the four treatments: conventional air-chilling (CAC), conventional spray-chilling (CSC), slow air-chilling (SAC), and slow spray-chilling (SSC). Strip loin steaks (M. longissimus lumborum) of approximately 2.5 cm thick were removed, vacuum packed and aged for 7, 14, 30 or 60 days. Samples were analyzed for sarcomere length, myofibrillar fragmentation index, Warner-Bratzler shear force, and weight losses by purge and cooking. Spraying was efficient in reducing weight loss by evaporation (P<0.05). Effects of treatments and aging period on purge losses were observed, where samples from sprayed carcasses or aged cuts showed higher losses. Cooking losses were not affected either by spraying or aging. The slow chilling, with or without spraying, was more efficient in producing strip loin steaks with lower average shear force and longer sarcomere. The myofibrillar fragmentation index increased with aging time, but was not affected by carcasses spraying. Copyright (c) 2010 The American Meat Science Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of plasma sprayed HA/YSZ/Ti-6Al-4V composite coatings.

PubMed

Khor, K A; Gu, Y W; Pan, D; Cheang, P

2004-08-01

Plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings on titanium alloy substrate have been used extensively due to their excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. However, the erratic bond strength between HA and Ti alloy has raised concern over the long-term reliability of the implant. In this paper, HA/yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ)/Ti-6Al-4V composite coatings that possess superior mechanical properties to conventional plasma sprayed HA coatings were developed. Ti-6Al-4V powders coated with fine YSZ and HA particles were prepared through a unique ceramic slurry mixing method. The so-formed composite powder was employed as feedstock for plasma spraying of the HA/YSZ/Ti-6Al-4V coatings. The influence of net plasma energy, plasma spray standoff distance, and post-spray heat treatment on microstructure, phase composition and mechanical properties were investigated. Results showed that coatings prepared with the optimum plasma sprayed condition showed a well-defined splat structure. HA/YSZ/Ti-6Al-4V solid solution was formed during plasma spraying which was beneficial for the improvement of mechanical properties. There was no evidence of Ti oxidation from the successful processing of YSZ and HA coated Ti-6Al-4V composite powders. Small amount of CaO apart from HA, ZrO(2) and Ti was present in the composite coatings. The microhardness, Young's modulus, fracture toughness, and bond strength increased significantly with the addition of YSZ. Post-spray heat treatment at 600 degrees C and 700 degrees C for up to 12h was found to further improve the mechanical properties of coatings. After the post-spray heat treatment, 17.6% increment in Young's modulus (E) and 16.3% increment in Vicker's hardness were achieved. The strengthening mechanisms of HA/YSZ/Ti-6Al-4V composite coatings were related to the dispersion strengthening by homogeneous distribution of YSZ particles in the matrix, the good mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V and the formation of solid solution among HA, Ti alloy and YSZ components.

A New Way to Spray

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

A NASA SBIR contract provided the funding for a new nozzle shape to be used in plasma spray techniques. The new design, a bell shape, reduces overspray. The result is a significant decrease in the cost of plasma spraying and a higher quality, more pure coating.

Plasma-Spray Metal Coating On Foam

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cranston, J.

1994-01-01

Molds, forms, and other substrates made of foams coated with metals by plasma spraying. Foam might be ceramic, carbon, metallic, organic, or inorganic. After coat applied by plasma spraying, foam left intact or removed by acid leaching, conventional machining, water-jet cutting, or another suitable technique. Cores or vessels made of various foam materials plasma-coated with metals according to method useful as thermally insulating containers for foods, liquids, or gases, or as mandrels for making composite-material (matrix/fiber) parts, or making thermally insulating firewalls in automobiles.

Vacuum Plasma Spray of CuCrNb Alloy for Advanced Liquid - Fuel Combustion Chambers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zimmerman, Frank

2000-01-01

The copper-8 atomic percent chromium-4 atomic percent niobium (CuCrNb) alloy was developed by Glenn Research Center (formally Lewis Research Center) as an improved alloy for combustion chamber liners. In comparison to NARloy-Z, the baseline (as in Space Shuttle Main Engine) alloy for such liners, CuCrNb demonstrates mechanical and thermophysical properties equivalent to NARloy-Z, but at temperatures 100 C to 150 C (180 F to 270 F) higher. Anticipated materials related benefits include decreasing the thrust cell liner weight 5% to 20%, increasing the service life at least two fold over current combustion chamber design, and increasing the safety margins available to designers. By adding an oxidation and thermal barrier coating to the liner, the combustion chamber can operate at even higher temperatures. For all these benefits, however, this alloy cannot be formed using conventional casting and forging methods because of the levels of chromium and niobium, which exceed their solubility limit in copper. Until recently, the only forming process that maintains the required microstructure of CrNb intermetallics is powder metallurgy formation of a billet from powder stock, followed by extrusion. This severely limits its usefulness in structural applications, particularly the complex shapes required for combustion chamber liners. Vacuum plasma spray (VPS) has been demonstrated as a method to form structural articles including small combustion chambers from the CuCrNb alloy. In addition, an oxidation and thermal barrier layer can be formed integrally on the hot wall of the liner that improve performance and extend service life. This paper discusses the metallurgy and thermomechanical properties of VPS formed CuCrNb versus the baseline powder metallurgy process, and the manufacturing of small combustion chamber liners at Marshall Space Flight Center using the VPS process. The benefits to advanced propulsion initiatives of using VPS to fabricate combustion chamber liners while maintaining the superior CuCrNb properties are also presented.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Vacuum Plasma Sprayed Cu-8Cr-4Nb

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holmes, Richard; Ellis, David; McKechnie, Timothy; Hickman, Robert

1997-01-01

This paper compares the tensile properties of Cu-8Cr-4Nb material produced by VPS to material previously produced by extrusion. The microstructure of the VPS material is also presented. The combustion chamber liner of rocket motors represents an extreme materials application. The liner hot wall is exposed to a 2760 C (5000 F) flame while the cold side is exposed to cryogenic hydrogen liquid. Materials for use in the combustion chamber liner require a combination of high temperature strength, creep resistance, and low cycle fatigue resistance along with high thermal conductivity. The hot side is also subject to localized cycles between reducing and oxidizing environments that degrade the liner by a process called blanching. A new Cu-8 at.% Cr-4 at% Nb (Cu-8Cr-4Nb) alloy has been developed at NASA Lewis Research Center as a replacement for the currently used alloy, NARloy-z (Cu-3 wt.% Ag-0.5 wt.% Zr). The alloy is strengthened by a fine dispersion of Cr2Nb particles. The alloy has better mechanical properties than NARloy-Z while retaining most of the thermal conductivity of pure copper. The alloy has been successfully consolidated by extrusion and hot isostatic pressing (HIPing). However, vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) offers several advantages over prior consolidation methods. VPS can produce a near net shape piece with the profile of the liner. In addition, oxidation resistant and thermal barrier coatings can be incorporated as an integral part of the liner hot wall during the VPS deposition. The low oxygen VPS Cu-8Cr-4Nb exhibits a higher strength than Cu-8Cr-4Nb produced by extrusion at elevated temperatures and a comparable strength at room temperature. Moduli and ductility were not significantly different. However, the ability to produce parts to near-net shape and maintain the good elevated temperature tensile properties of the extruded Cu-8Cr-4Nb makes VPS an attractive processing method for fabricating rocket engine combustion liners.

Structure and microhardness of the plasma sprayed composite coatings after combined treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivannikov, A. Yu; Kalita, V. I.; Komlev, D. I.; Radyuk, A. A.; Bagmutov, V. P.; Zakharov, I. N.; Parshev, S. N.; Denisevich, D. S.

2018-04-01

The principal aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combination of electromechanical treatment (EMT) and ultrasonic treatment on structure and microhardness of air plasma sprayed composite coatings from Ni–20Cr alloy and R6M5 high speed steel (HSS). The results of the microstructural studies showed fundamental changes of the treated by the EMT plasma sprayed coating with the formation of nanostructured crystalline phases. As a consequence of the coating thus formed, the number of pores in the coating structure reduced from 10.0±1.5% to 2.0±0.5%, the surface microhardness increased from 3100±500 MPa to 7900±400 MPa. Additional ultrasonic treatment on the selected mode decreased surface waviness, which was formed on the surface of the plasma sprayed composite coatings after the EMT. The obtained results revealed the high potential of the combined treatment for post-treatment of the plasma sprayed coatings.

Improvement in the properties of plasma-sprayed metallic, alloy and ceramic coatings using dry-ice blasting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Shujuan; Song, Bo; Hansz, Bernard; Liao, Hanlin; Coddet, Christian

2011-10-01

Dry-ice blasting, as an environmental-friendly method, was introduced into atmospheric plasma spraying for improving properties of metallic, alloy and ceramic coatings. The deposited coatings were then compared with coatings plasma-sprayed using conventional air cooling in terms of microstructure, temperature, oxidation, porosity, residual stress and adhesion. It was found that a denser steel or CoNiCrAlY alloy coating with a lower content of oxide can be achieved with the application of dry-ice blasting during the plasma spraying. In addition, the adhesive strength of Al 2O 3 coating deposited with dry-ice blasting exceeded 60 MPa, which was nearly increased by 30% compared with that of the coating deposited with conventional air cooling. The improvement in properties of plasma-sprayed metallic, alloy and ceramic coatings caused by dry-ice blasting was attributed to the decrease of annulus-ringed disk like splats, the better cooling efficiency of dry-ice pellets and even the mechanical effect of dry-ice impact.

A sputtered zirconia primer for improved thermal shock resistance of plasma sprayed ceramic turbine seals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bill, R. C.; Sovey, J.; Allen, G. P.

1981-01-01

The development of plasma-sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramic turbine blade tip seal components is discussed. The YSZ layers are quite thick (0.040 to 0.090 in.). The service potential of seal components with such thick ceramic layers is cyclic thermal shock limited. The most usual failure mode is ceramic layer delamination at or very near the interface between the plasma sprayed YSZ layer and the NiCrAlY bondcoat. Deposition of a thin RF sputtered YSZ primer to the bondcoat prior to deposition of the thick plasma sprayed YSZ layer was found to reduce laminar cracking in cyclic thermal shock testing. The cyclic thermal shock life of one ceramic seal design was increased by a factor of 5 to 6 when the sputtered YSZ primer was incorporated. A model based on thermal response of plasma sprayed YSZ particles impinging on the bondcoat surface with and without the sputtered YSZ primer provides a basis for understanding the function of the primer.

The effects of plasma spray parameters and atmosphere on the properties and microstructure of WC-Co coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, D.; Lamy, D.; Sopkow, T.; Smuga-Otto, I.

Wear- and corrosion-resistant coatings deposited by plasma spray process are increasingly used in severe environments in resource industries, such as oil and gas, oil sands, mining, pulp and paper, etc. While there is a large volume of literature in the area of plasma spray coatings, comparatively few papers deal with the co-relation between coating properties and microstructure as a function of plasma spray processing parameters. In this study, the effect of some plasma spray processing variables and atmosphere (air or inert gas) on the microstructure and the properties of WC-Co coatings were studied. The properties of the coatings measured include: microhardness, porosity by image analysis, wear resistance by dry sand/rubber wheel abrasion test (ASTM G 65-91) and corrosion properties by AC impedance technique. Phase analyses of the coatings were also performed by X-ray diffraction. From the above, optimized coatings were developed for oil and gas industry applications.

Effect of Post-spray Shot Peening Treatment on the Corrosion Behavior of NiCr-Mo Coating by Plasma Spraying of the Shell-Core-Structured Powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Jia-Jia; Wei, Ying-Kang; Li, Cheng-Xin; Yang, Guan-Jun; Li, Chang-Jiu

2018-01-01

Corrosion of metal plays a detrimental role in service lifetime of parts or systems. Therefore, coating a protective film which is fully dense and defects free on the base metal is an effective approach to protect the base metal from corrosion. In this study, a dense NiCr-20Mo coating with excellent lamellar interface bonding was deposited by plasma spraying of the novel shell-core-structured Mo-clad-NiCr powders, and then post-spray shot peening treatment by cold spraying of steel shots was applied to the plasma-sprayed NiCr-20Mo coating to obtain a fully dense coating through eliminating possibly existed pores and un-bonded interfaces within the NiCr-20Mo coating. Corrosion behaviors of the NiCr-20Mo coatings before and after shot peening were tested to investigate the effect of the post-spray shot peening on the corrosion behavior of the NiCr-20Mo coating. Results showed that a much dense and uniform plasma-sprayed NiCr-20Mo coating with perfect lamellar bonding at most of interfaces was deposited. However, the electrochemical tests revealed the existence of through-thickness pores in the as-plasma-sprayed NiCr-20Mo coating. Through the post-spray shot peening treatment, a completely dense top layer in the coating was formed, and with the increase in the shot peening intensity from one pass to three passes, the dense top layer became thicker from 100 μm to reach 300 μm of the whole coating thickness. Thus, a fully dense bulk-like coating was obtained. Corrosion test results showed that the dense coating layer resulting from densification of shot peening can act as an effective barrier coating to prevent the penetration of the corrosive medium and consequently protect the substrate from corrosion effectively. Therefore, a fully dense bulk-like NiCr-20Mo coating with excellent corrosion resistance can be achieved through the plasma spraying of Mo-clad-NiCr powders followed by appropriate post-spray shot peening treatment.

Effect of spark plasma sintering on the microstructure and in vitro behavior of plasma sprayed HA coatings.

PubMed

Yu, L-G; Khor, K A; Li, H; Cheang, P

2003-07-01

The crystalline phases and degree of crystallinity in plasma sprayed calcium phosphate coatings on Ti substrates are crucial factors that influence the biological interactions of the materials in vivo. In this study, plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings underwent post-spray treatment by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique at 500 degrees C, 600 degrees C, and 700 degrees C for duration of 5 and 30 min. The activity of the HA coatings before and after SPS are evaluated in vitro in a simulated body fluid. The surface microstructure, crystallinity, and phase composition of each coating is characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry before, and after in vitro incubation. Results show that the plasma sprayed coatings treated for 5 min in SPS demonstrated increased proportion of beta-TCP phase with a preferred-orientation in the (214) plane, and the content of beta-TCP phase corresponded to SPS temperature, up to 700 degrees C. SPS treatment at 700 degrees C for 30 min enhanced the HA content in the plasma spray coating as well. The HA coatings treated in SPS for 5 min revealed rapid surface morphological changes during in vitro incubation (up to 12 days), indicating that the surface activity is enhanced by the SPS treatment. The thickest apatite layer was found in the coating treated by SPS at 700 degrees C for 5 min.

Coanda-Assisted Spray Manipulation Collar for a Commercial Plasma Spray Gun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mabey, K.; Smith, B. L.; Whichard, G.; McKechnie, T.

2011-06-01

A Coanda-assisted Spray Manipulation (CSM) collar was retrofitted to a Praxair SG-100 plasma spray gun. The CSM device makes it possible to change the direction of (vector) the plasma jet and powder without moving the gun. The two-piece retrofit device replaces the standard faceplate. Two separate collars were tested: one designed for small vector angles and one for larger vector angles. It was demonstrated that the small-angle device could modify the trajectory of zirconia powder up to several degrees. Doing so could realign the plasma with the powder resulting in increased powder temperature and velocity. The large-angle device was capable of vectoring the plasma jet up to 45°. However, the powder did not vector as much. Under large-angle vectoring, the powder velocity and temperature decreased steadily with vector angle. Both devices were tested using a supersonic configuration to demonstrate that CSM is capable of vectoring supersonic plasmas.

Mechanical Properties of Plasma-Sprayed ZrO2-8 wt% Y2O3 Thermal Barrier Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Sung R.; Zhu, Dongming; Miller, Robert A.

2004-01-01

Mechanical behavior of free standing, plasma-sprayed ZrO2-8 wt% Y2O3 thermal barrier coatings, including strength, fracture toughness, fatigue, constitutive relation, elastic modulus, and directionality, has been determined under various loading-specimen configurations. This report presents and describes a summary of mechanical properties of the plasma-sprayed coating material to provide them as a design database.

Thermal barrier coating life prediction model development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strangman, T. E.; Neumann, J. F.; Tasooji, A.

1985-01-01

This program focuses on predicting the lives of two types of strain-tolerant and oxidation-resistant thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems that are produced by commercial coating suppliers to the gas turbine industry. The plasma-sprayed TBC system is composed of a low pressure, plasma sprayed applied, oxidation resistant NiCrAlY bond coating. The other system is an air plasma sprayed yttria (8 percent) partially stabilized zirconia insulative layer.

Effects of graphene plates' adoption on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and in vivo biocompatibility of calcium silicate coating.

PubMed

Xie, Youtao; Li, Hongqin; Ding, Chuanxian; Zheng, Xuebin; Li, Kai

2015-01-01

Calcium silicate (CS) ceramic is a good coating candidate for biomedical implants to improve biocompatibility and accelerate early osseointegration. However, the poor fracture toughness and wear resistance of this ceramic material restricts the long-term performance of implants. In this study, graphene plates (GPs) were used as reinforcement to improve the mechanical properties of CS coating. Composite coating containing 1.5 weight % GPs was prepared by vacuum plasma spraying technology. The good survival of the GPs in the composite coating was demonstrated by Raman analysis, although the defects of the GPs were increased after plasma spraying. Effects of the GPs' adoption on the microstructure of the coating were studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results showed that the GPs were homogenously distributed in the CS grains interface or enwrapped on the particles, and exhibited good wetting behavior with the CS matrix. The wear properties of the composite coating were obviously enhanced by the reinforcement of GPs. The reinforcement mechanism was attributed to the enhanced micro-hardness and interfacial bonding of the particles in the coating. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the composite coating possessed similarly good biocompatibility compared to pure CS coating. The bone-implant contact ratio reached 84.3%±7.4% for GPs/CS coating and 79.6%±9.4% for CS coating after 3 months' implantation.

Effects of graphene plates’ adoption on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and in vivo biocompatibility of calcium silicate coating

PubMed Central

Xie, Youtao; Li, Hongqin; Ding, Chuanxian; Zheng, Xuebin; Li, Kai

2015-01-01

Calcium silicate (CS) ceramic is a good coating candidate for biomedical implants to improve biocompatibility and accelerate early osseointegration. However, the poor fracture toughness and wear resistance of this ceramic material restricts the long-term performance of implants. In this study, graphene plates (GPs) were used as reinforcement to improve the mechanical properties of CS coating. Composite coating containing 1.5 weight % GPs was prepared by vacuum plasma spraying technology. The good survival of the GPs in the composite coating was demonstrated by Raman analysis, although the defects of the GPs were increased after plasma spraying. Effects of the GPs’ adoption on the microstructure of the coating were studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results showed that the GPs were homogenously distributed in the CS grains interface or enwrapped on the particles, and exhibited good wetting behavior with the CS matrix. The wear properties of the composite coating were obviously enhanced by the reinforcement of GPs. The reinforcement mechanism was attributed to the enhanced micro-hardness and interfacial bonding of the particles in the coating. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the composite coating possessed similarly good biocompatibility compared to pure CS coating. The bone-implant contact ratio reached 84.3%±7.4% for GPs/CS coating and 79.6%±9.4% for CS coating after 3 months’ implantation. PMID:26089662

Plasma sprayed coatings on crankshaft used steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahu, G.; Munteanu, C.; Istrate, B.; Benchea, M.

2017-08-01

Plasma spray coatings may be an alternative to conventional heat treatment of main journals and crankpins of the crankshaft. The applications of plasma coatings are various and present multiple advantages compared to electric arc wire spraying or flame spraying. The study examines the layers sprayed with the following powders: Cr3C2- 25(Ni 20Cr), Al2O3- 13TiO2, Cr2O3-SiO2- TiO2 on the surface of steels used in the construction of a crankshaft (C45). The plasma spray coatings were made with the Spray wizard 9MCE facility at atmospheric pressure. The samples were analyzed in terms of micro and morphological using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Wear tests on samples that have undergone simulates extreme working conditions of the crankshafts. In order to emphasize adherence to the base material sprayed layer, were carried out tests of microscratches and micro-indentation. Results have showed a relatively compact morphological aspect given by the successive coatings with splat-like specific structures. Following the microscratch analysis it can be concluded that Al2O3-13TiO2 coating has a higher purpose in terms of hardness compared to Cr3C2-(Ni 20Cr) and Cr2O3-SiO2- TiO2 powders. Thermal coatings of the deposited powders have increased the mechanical properties of the material. The results stand to confirm that plasma sprayed Al2O3-13TiO2 powder is in fact a efficient solution for preventing mechanical wear, even with a faulty lubrication system.

Optical Properties of Thermal Control Coatings After Weathering, Simulated Ascent Heating, and Simulated Space Radiation Exposure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaworske, Donald A.; Tuan, George C.; Westheimer, David T.; Peters, Wanda C.; Kauder, Lonny R.

2008-01-01

Spacecraft radiators reject heat to their surroundings and coatings play an important role in this heat rejection. The coatings provide the combined optical properties of low solar absorptance and high infrared emittance. The coatings are applied to the radiator panel in a number of ways, including conventional spraying, plasma spraying, or as an applique. Not designed for a terrestrial weathering environment, the durability of spacecraft paints, coatings, and appliques upon exposure to weathering and subsequent exposure to ascent heating, solar wind, and ultraviolet radiation was studied. In addition to traditional aluminum panels, new isocyanate ester composite panels were exposed for a total of 90 days at the Atmospheric Exposure Site of Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Beach Corrosion Facility for the purpose of identifying their durability to weathering. Selected panel coupons were subsequently exposed to simulated ascent heating, solar wind, and vacuum ultraviolet (UV) radiation to identify the effect of a simulated space environment on as-weathered surfaces. Optical properties and adhesion testing were used to document the durability of the paints, coatings, and appliques.

Thermophysical properties of plasma sprayed coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilkes, K. E.; Lagedrost, J. F.

1973-01-01

Thermophysical properties of plasma sprayed materials were determined for the following plasma sprayed materials: CaO - stabilized ZrO2, Y2O3 - stabilized ZerO2, Al2O3, HfO2 Mo, nichrome, NiAl, Mo-ZrO2, and MoAl2O3 mixtures. In all cases the thermal conductivity of the as-sprayed materials was found to be considerably lower than that of the bulk material. The flash-laser thermal diffusivity technique was used both for diffusivity determination of single-layer materials and to determine the thermal contact resistance at the interface of two-layer specimens.

Plasma-Sprayed Fine-grained Zirconium Silicate and Its Dielectric Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ctibor, P.; Pala, Z.; Nevrlá, B.; Neufuss, K.

2017-05-01

The article is focused on selected dielectric and electrical properties of ZrSiO4, which was plasma sprayed by a water-stabilized plasma system. A combination of two feeding distances and three spray distances was utilized for spraying and the structure and properties of samples evaluated. The coatings were tested in alternating electric field to determine capacity and loss factor with the frequency from 100 Hz to 100 kHz. Relative permittivity was calculated from the capacity. Volume resistivity and dielectric strength of ZrSiO4 were measured in a direct current regime. The aim was to test electrically this natural silicate material in the form of plasma-sprayed deposits. Microstructure was characterized by relatively large and non-globular pores. Crystallites were very small, about 10-20 nm. Dielectric losses were small, resistivity as well as strength relatively high. This silicate ceramic was recognized to be prospective for electrical engineering.

Plasma spraying of Wc-Co part II: Experimental study of particle deposition and coating microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshiand, S. V.; Srivastava, M. P.

1993-06-01

WC-Co base wear-resistant coatings deposited by plasma spraying are widely used to enhance component longevity in a variety of wear environments. During spraying of WC-Co, ideally only the cobalt phase should melt and act as a binder for the WC particles. Although it is undesirable to fully melt WC because it can cause decarburization, complete melting of the cobalt phase and its satisfactory flattening on impacting the substrate is necessary to minimize porosity and achieve good substrate/coating adhesion. In this article, the influence of the primary plasma spray variables on the melting characteristics of WC-Co powders is investigated with respect to the microstructure of these coatings. This experimental work complements an analytical study on plasma spraying of WC-Co, and thus, observations are presented to support the predictions of the modeling effort.

Design of a new nozzle for direct current plasma guns with improved spraying parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jankovic, M.; Mostaghimi, J.; Pershin, V.

2000-03-01

A new design is proposed for direct current plasma spray gas-shroud attachments. It has curvilinearly shaped internal walls aimed toward elimination of the cold air entrainment, recorded for commercially available conical designs of the shrouded nozzle. The curvilinear nozzle design was tested; it proved to be capable of withstanding high plasma temperatures and enabled satisfactory particle injection. Parallel measurements with an enthalpy probe were performed on the jet emerging from two different nozzles. Also, corresponding calculations were made to predict the plasma flow parameters and the particle parameters. Adequate spray tests were performed by spraying iron-aluminum and MCrAlY coatings onto stainless steel substrates. Coating analyses were performed, and coating qualities, such as microstructure, open porosity, and adhesion strength, were determined. The results indicate that the coatings sprayed with a curvilinear nozzle exhibited lower porosity, higher adhesion strength, and an enhanced microstructure.

Combined slurry and cavitation erosion resistance of surface modified SS410 stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amarendra, H. J.; Pratap, M. S.; Karthik, S.; Punitha Kumara, M. S.; Rajath, H. C.; Ranjith, H.; Shubhatunga, S. V.

2018-03-01

Slurry erosion and combined slurry and cavitation erosion resistance of thermal spray coatings are studied and compared with the as-received martensitic stainless steel material. 70Ni-Cr coatings are deposited on SS 410 material through plasma thermal spray process. The synergy effect of the combined slurry and cavitation erosion resistance of plasma thermal spray coatings were investigated in a slurry pot tester in the presence of bluff bodies known as Cavitation Inducers. Results showed the combined slurry and cavitation erosion resistance of martensitic stainless steel - 410 can be improved by plasma thermal spray coating. It is observed that the plasma spray coated specimens are better erosion resistant than the as- received material, subjected to erosion test under similar conditions. As-received and the surface modified steels are mechanically characterized for its hardness, bending. Morphological studies are conducted through scanning electron microscope.

Supersonic Plasma Spray Deposition of CoNiCrAlY Coatings on Ti-6Al-4V Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caliari, F. R.; Miranda, F. S.; Reis, D. A. P.; Essiptchouk, A. M.; Filho, G. P.

2017-06-01

Plasma spray is a versatile technology used for production of environmental and thermal barrier coatings, mainly in the aerospace, gas turbine, and automotive industries, with potential application in the renewable energy industry. New plasma spray technologies have been developed recently to produce high-quality coatings as an alternative to the costly low-pressure plasma-spray process. In this work, we studied the properties of as-sprayed CoNiCrAlY coatings deposited on Ti-6Al-4V substrate with smooth surface ( R a = 0.8 μm) by means of a plasma torch operating in supersonic regime at atmospheric pressure. The CoNiCrAlY coatings were evaluated in terms of their surface roughness, microstructure, instrumented indentation, and phase content. Static and dynamic depositions were investigated to examine their effect on coating characteristics. Results show that the substrate surface velocity has a major influence on the coating properties. The sprayed CoNiCrAlY coatings exhibit low roughness ( R a of 5.7 μm), low porosity (0.8%), excellent mechanical properties ( H it = 6.1 GPa, E it = 155 GPa), and elevated interface toughness (2.4 MPa m1/2).

Ceramic coatings on smooth surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, R. A. (Inventor); Brindley, W. J. (Inventor); Rouge, C. J. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

A metallic coating is plasma sprayed onto a smooth surface of a metal alloy substitute or on a bond coating. An initial thin ceramic layer is low pressure sprayed onto the smooth surface of the substrate or bond coating. Another ceramic layer is atmospheric plasma sprayed onto the initial ceramic layer.

Behavior of deuterium retention and surface morphology for VPS–W/F82H

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yasuhisa Oya; Masashi Shimada; Tomonori Tokunaga

The deuterium (D) retention for Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS)–tungsten (W)/F82H was studied using two different implantation methods, namely D plasma exposure and View the MathML source implantation. The D retention for polished VPS–W/F82H after plasma exposure was found to be reduced compared to that for polycrystalline tungsten. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations indicated that porous structures around grain boundaries and the interface between VPS–W layers would be potential D diffusion paths, leading to low D retention. In the case of View the MathML source implantation, the shape of D2 TDS spectrum was almost the samemore » as that for D plasma-exposed VPS–W/F82H; however, the D retention was quite high for unpolished VPS–W/F82H, indicating that most of D was trapped by the oxide layer, which was produced by the VPS process. The reduction of surface area due to the polishing process also reduces D retention for VPS–W/F82H. These results indicate that controlling the surface chemical states is important for the reduction of tritium retention for future fusion reactors.« less

Corrosion behavior of magnetic ferrite coating prepared by plasma spraying

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Yi; Wei, Shicheng, E-mail: wsc33333@163.com; Tong, Hui

Graphical abstract: The saturation magnetization (M{sub s}) of the ferrite coating is 34.417 emu/g while the M{sub s} value of the ferrite powder is 71.916 emu/g. It can be seen that plasma spray process causes deterioration of the room temperature soft magnetic properties. - Highlights: • Spinel ferrite coatings have been prepared by plasma spraying. • The coating consists of nanocrystalline grains. • The saturation magnetization of the ferrite coating is 34.417 emu/g. • Corrosion behavior of the ferrite coating was examined in NaCl solution. - Abstract: In this study, spray dried spinel ferrite powders were deposited on the surfacemore » of mild steel substrate through plasma spraying. The structure and morphological studies on the ferrite coatings were carried out using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and Raman spectroscopy. It was showed that spray dried process was an effective method to prepare thermal spraying powders. The coating showed spinel structure with a second phase of LaFeO{sub 3}. The magnetic property of the ferrite samples were measured by vibrating sample magnetometer. The saturation magnetization (M{sub s}) of the ferrite coating was 34.417 emu/g. The corrosion behavior of coating samples was examined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. EIS diagrams showed three corrosion processes as the coating immersed in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The results suggested that plasma spraying was a promising technology for the production of magnetic ferrite coatings.« less

Projection par plasma de depots de dioxyde de titane: Contribution a l'etude de leurs microstructures et proprietes electriques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Branland, Nadege

2002-04-01

The aim of this PhD work is, thanks to particle parameters (velocity and temperature) characterization, to try to understand the influence of plasma spray parameters on titania coating microstructures and the influence of the latter one on their electrical resistivity, for the same substrate conditions. The experimental approach has consisted in using two plasma spraying processes (Arc plasma spraying and Inductive plasma spraying) which have permitted to obtain a broad range of particle velocities and temperatures leading to coatings with specific microstructures. Despite the stoichiometry of the starting powder, all coatings obtained were grey, the oxygen loss increasing with the particle temperature. Isolating the stoichiometry influence has permitted to show that the decrease of the coatings electrical resistivity is especially due to the decrease of the number of bad interlamellar contacts.

Generator of the low-temperature heterogeneous plasma flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusupov, D. I.; Gadzhiev, M. Kh; Tyuftyaev, A. S.; Chinnov, V. F.; Sargsyan, M. A.

2018-01-01

A generator of low-temperature dc plasma with an expanding channel of an output electrode for gas-thermal spraying was designed and constructed. The delivery of the sprayed powder into the cathode and anode arc-binding zones or into the plasma jet below the anode binding was realized. The electrophysical characteristics of both the plasma torch and the heterogeneous plasma flow with Al2O3 powder are studied. It is shown that the current-voltage characteristic (CVC) of a plasma torch depends on the gas flow rate. If the flow rate varies from 1 to 3 g/s, the falling CVC becomes gradually increasing. The speed and temperature of the sprayed powder are determined.

An Innovative Method for Manufacturing Gamma-TiAl Foil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hales, Stephen J.; Saqib, Mohammad; Alexa, Joel A.

2003-01-01

The manufacture and entrance into service of thin gage gamma-TiAl product has been hampered by the inherent low room temperature ductility of the material. In the present study a new approach was explored for the efficient manufacture of gamma-TiAl foil with improved ductility. The objective was to produce a very clean material (low interstitial content) with a highly refined, homogeneous microstructure placed in a fully lamellar condition. The processing route involved the use of RF plasma spray deposition of pre-alloyed powders, followed by consolidation via vacuum hot pressing and heat treatment. The approach took advantage of a deposition process which included no electrodes, no binders and high cooling rates. Results and discussion of the work performed to date are presented.

Development & characterization of alumina coating by atmospheric plasma spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebastian, Jobin; Scaria, Abyson; Kurian, Don George

2018-03-01

Ceramic coatings are applied on metals to prevent them from oxidation and corrosion at room as well as elevated temperatures. The service environment, mechanisms of protection, chemical and mechanical compatibility, application method, control of coating quality and ability of the coating to be repaired are the factors that need to be considered while selecting the required coating. The coatings based on oxide materials provides high degree of thermal insulation and protection against oxidation at high temperatures for the underlying substrate materials. These coatings are usually applied by the flame or plasma spraying methods. The surface cleanliness needs to be ensured before spraying. Abrasive blasting can be used to provide the required surface roughness for good adhesion between the substrate and the coating. A pre bond coat like Nickel Chromium can be applied on to the substrate material before spraying the oxide coating to avoid chances of poor adhesion between the oxide coating and the metallic substrate. Plasma spraying produces oxide coatings of greater density, higher hardness, and smooth surface finish than that of the flame spraying process Inert gas is often used for generation of plasma gas so as to avoid the oxidation of the substrate material. The work focuses to develop, characterize and optimize the parameters used in Al2O3 coating on transition stainless steel substrate material for minimizing the wear rate and maximizing the leak tightness using plasma spray process. The experiment is designed using Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array. The parameters that are to be optimized are plasma voltage, spraying distance and the cooling jet pressure. The characterization techniques includes micro-hardness and porosity tests followed by Grey relational analysis of the results.

Numerical Simulation of Droplet Breakup and Collision in the Solution Precursor Plasma Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Y.; Coyle, T. W.; Mostaghimi, J.

2007-12-01

Finely structured ceramic coatings can be obtained by solution precursor plasma spraying. The final structure of the coating highly depends on the droplet size and velocity distribution at the injection, the evolution of the spray in the jet, and droplet breakup and collision within the spray. This article describes a 3D model to simulate the transport phenomena and the trajectory and heating of the solution spray in the process. O’Rourke’s droplet collision model is used to take into account the influence of droplet collision. The influence of droplet breakup is also considered by implementing TAB droplet breakup models into the plasma jet model. The effects of droplet collisions and breakup on the droplet size, velocity, and temperature distribution of the solution spray are investigated. The results indicate that droplet breakup and collision play an important role in determining the final particle size and velocity distributions on the substrate.

Latest Researches Advances of Plasma Spraying: From Splat to Coating Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fauchais, P.; Vardelle, M.; Goutier, S.

2016-12-01

The plasma spray process with solid feedstock, mainly ceramics powders, studied since the sixties is now a mature technology. The plasma jet and particle in-flight characterizations are now well established. The use of computer-aided robot trajectory allows spraying on industrial parts with complex geometries. Works about splat formation have shown the importance of: the substrate preheating over the transition temperature to get rid of adsorbates and condensates, substrate chemistry, crystal structure and substrate temperature during the whole coating process. These studies showed that coating properties strongly depend on the splat formation and layering. The first part of this work deals with a summary of conventional plasma spraying key points. The second part presents the current knowledge in plasma spraying with liquid feedstock, technology developed for about two decades with suspensions of particles below micrometers or solutions of precursors that form particles a few micrometers sized through precipitation. Coatings are finely structured and even nanostructured with properties arousing the interest of researchers. However, the technology is by far more complex than the conventional ones. The main conclusions are that models should be developed further, plasma torches and injection setups adapted, and new measuring techniques to reliably characterize these small particles must be designed.

Fabrication of copper-based anodes via atmosphoric plasma spraying techniques

DOEpatents

Lu, Chun [Monroeville, PA

2012-04-24

A fuel electrode anode (18) for a solid oxide fuel cell is made by presenting a solid oxide fuel cell having an electrolyte surface (15), mixing copper powder with solid oxide electrolyte in a mixing step (24, 44) to provide a spray feedstock (30,50) which is fed into a plasma jet (32, 52) of a plasma torch to melt the spray feed stock and propel it onto an electrolyte surface (34, 54) where the spray feed stock flattens into lamellae layer upon solidification, where the layer (38, 59) is an anode coating with greater than 35 vol. % based on solids volume.

New generation of plasma-sprayed mullite coatings on silicon carbide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Kang N.; Miller, Robert A.; Jacobson, Nathan S.

1995-01-01

Mullite is promising as a protective coating for silicon-based ceramics in aggressive high-temperature environments. Conventionally plasma-sprayed mullite on SiC tends to crack and debond on thermal cycling. It is shown that this behavior is due to the presence of amorphous mullite in the conventionally sprayed mullite. Heating the SiC substrate during the plasma spraying eliminated the amorphous phase and produced coatings with dramatically improved properties. The new coating exhibits excellent adherence and crack resistance under thermal cycling between room temperature and 1000 to 1400 C. Preliminary tests showed good resistance to Na2CO3-induced hot corrosion.

Ultrasonic technique for measuring porosity of plasma-sprayed alumina coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parthasarathi, S.; Tittmann, B. R.; Onesto, E. J.

1997-12-01

Porosity is an important factor in plasma-sprayed coatings, especially ceramic coatings. Excessive poros-ity can adversely affect the performance of the coated component in various ways. An ultrasonic nonde-structive measurement technique has been developed to measure porosity in plasma-sprayed alumina coatings. The technique is generic and can be extended to other ceramic coating systems. To test the tech-nique, freestanding alumina coatings with varying levels of porosity were fabricated via plasma spray. Samples with varying porosity, obtained through innovative fabrication techniques, were used to gener-ate a calibration curve. The ultrasonic velocity in the low-frequency range was found to be dependent on the density of freestanding coatings (measured via Archimedian techniques). This dependence is the basis of the development of a technique to measure the density of coatings.

Characterization of plasma sprayed and explosively consolidated simulated lunar soil

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Powell, S.J.; Inal, O.T.; Smith, M.F.

1997-06-01

Two methods for the use of lunar materials for the construction of shelters on the Moon are being proposed: explosive consolidation of the soil into structural components and plasma spraying of the soil to join components. The plasma-sprayed coating would also provide protection from the intense radiation. In this work, a mare simulant was plasma-sprayed onto a stainless steel substrate. Deposition of a 0.020 inch coating using power inputs of 23, 25, 27 and 29 kW were compared. Hardness of the coatings increased with each increase of power to the system, while porosity at the interface decreased. All coatings exhibitedmore » good adhesion. Simultaneously, an explosively consolidated sample was similarly characterized to afford a comparison of structural features associated with each mode of proposed use.« less

VPS Process for Copper Components in Thrust Chamber Assemblies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elam, Sandra; Holmes, Richard; Hickman, Robert; McKechnie, Tim; Thom, George

2005-01-01

For several years, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has been working with Plasma Processes, Inc., (PPI) to fabricate thrust chamber liners with GRCop-84. Using the vacuum plasma spray (VPS) process, chamber liners of a variety of shapes and sizes have been created. Each has been formed as a functional gradient material (FGM) that creates a unique protective layer of NiCrAlY on the GRCop-84 liner s hot wall surface. Hot-fire testing was successfully conducted on a subscale unit to demonstrate the liner's durability and performance. Similar VPS technology has also been applied to create functional gradient coatings (FGC) on copper injector faceplates. Protective layers of NiCrAlY and zirconia were applied to both coaxial and impinging faceplate designs. Hot-fire testing is planned for these coated injectors in April 2005. The resulting material systems for both copper alloy components allows them to operate at higher temperatures with improved durability and operating margins.

Electrocatalytically Active Nickel-Based Electrode Coatings Formed by Atmospheric and Suspension Plasma Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aghasibeig, M.; Mousavi, M.; Ben Ettouill, F.; Moreau, C.; Wuthrich, R.; Dolatabadi, A.

2014-01-01

Ni-based electrode coatings with enhanced surface areas, for hydrogen production, were developed using atmospheric plasma spray (APS) and suspension plasma spray (SPS) processes. The results revealed a larger electrochemical active surface area for the coatings produced by SPS compared to those produced by APS process. SEM micrographs showed that the surface microstructure of the sample with the largest surface area was composed of a large number of small cauliflower-like aggregates with an average diameter of 10 μm.

Plasma Spray for Difficult-To-Braze Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brennan, A.

1982-01-01

Nickel plating on surfaces makes brazing easier for some alloys. Sometimes nickel plating may not be feasible because of manufacturing sequence, size of hardware, or lack of suitable source for nickel plating. Alternative surface preparation in such cases is to grit-blast surface lightly and then plasma-spray 1 1/2 to 2 mils of fine nickel powder or braze-alloy material directly on surface. Powder is sprayed from plasma gun, using argon as carrier gas to prevent oxidation of nickel or braze alloy.

Plasma sprayed ceramic thermal barrier coating for NiAl-based intermetallic alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Robert A. (Inventor); Doychak, Joseph (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A thermal barrier coating system consists of two layers of a zirconia-yttria ceramic. The first layer is applied by low pressure plasma spraying. The second layer is applied by conventional atmospheric pressure plasma spraying. This facilitates the attachment of a durable thermally insulating ceramic coating directly to the surface of a highly oxidation resistant NiAl-based intermetallic alloy after the alloy has been preoxidized to promote the formation of a desirable Al2O3 scale.

Monitoring Coating Thickness During Plasma Spraying

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Robert A.

1990-01-01

High-resolution video measures thickness accurately without interfering with process. Camera views cylindrical part through filter during plasma spraying. Lamp blacklights part, creating high-contrast silhouette on video monitor. Width analyzer counts number of lines in image of part after each pass of spray gun. Layer-by-layer measurements ensure adequate coat built up without danger of exceeding required thickness.

3D Modeling of Transport Phenomena and the Injection of the Solution Droplets in the Solution Precursor Plasma Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Yanguang; Coyle, Thomas W.; Mostaghimi, Javad

2007-12-01

Solution precursor plasma spraying has been used to produce finely structured ceramic coatings with nano- and sub-micrometric features. This process involves the injection of a solution spray of ceramic salts into a DC plasma jet under atmospheric condition. During the process, the solvent vaporizes as the droplet travel downstream. Solid particles are finally formed due to the precipitation of the solute, and the particle are heated up and accelerated to the substrate to generate the coating. This article describes a 3D model to simulate the transport phenomena and the trajectory and heating of the solution spray in the process. The jet-spray two-way interactions are considered. A simplified model is employed to simulate the evolution process and the formation of the solid particle from the solution droplet in the plasma jet. The temperature and velocity fields of the jet are obtained and validated. The particle size, velocity, temperature, and position distribution on the substrate are predicted.

Automated Plasma Spray (APS) process feasibility study: Plasma spray process development and evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fetheroff, C. W.; Derkacs, T.; Matay, I. M.

1979-01-01

An automated plasma spray (APS) process was developed to apply two layer (NiCrAlY and ZrO2-12Y2O3) thermal-barrier coatings to aircraft gas turbine engine blade airfoils. The APS process hardware consists of four subsystems: a mechanical blade positioner incorporating two interlaced six-degree-of-freedom assemblies; a noncoherent optical metrology subsystem; a microprocessor-based adaptive system controller; and commercial plasma spray equipment. Over fifty JT9D first stage turbine blades specimens were coated with the APS process in preliminary checkout and evaluation studies. The best of the preliminary specimens achieved an overall coating thickness uniformity of + or - 53 micrometers, much better than is achievable manually. Factors limiting this performance were identified and process modifications were initiated accordingly. Comparative evaluations of coating thickness uniformity for manually sprayed and APS coated specimens were initiated. One of the preliminary evaluation specimens was subjected to a torch test and metallographic evaluation.

A critical assessment of in-flight particle state during plasma spraying of YSZ and its implications on coating properties and process reliability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, Vasudevan

Air plasma spray is inherently complex due to the deviation from equilibrium conditions, three dimensional nature, multitude of interrelated (controllable) parameters and (uncontrollable) variables involved, and stochastic variability at different stages. The resultant coatings are complex due to the layered high defect density microstructure. Despite the widespread use and commercial success for decades in earthmoving, automotive, aerospace and power generation industries, plasma spray has not been completely understood and prime reliance for critical applications such as thermal barrier coatings on gas turbines are yet to be accomplished. This dissertation is aimed at understanding the in-flight particle state of the plasma spray process towards designing coatings and achieving coating reliability with the aid of noncontact in-flight particle and spray stream sensors. Key issues such as the phenomena of optimum particle injection and the definition of spray stream using particle state are investigated. Few strategies to modify the microstructure and properties of Yttria Stabilized Zirconia coatings are examined systematically using the framework of process maps. An approach to design process window based on design relevant coating properties is presented. Options to control the process for enhanced reproducibility and reliability are examined and the resultant variability is evaluated systematically at the different stages in the process. The 3D variability due to the difference in plasma characteristics has been critically examined by investigating splats collected from the entire spray footprint.

Arc spray process for the aircraft and stationary gas turbine industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sampson, E. R.; Zwetsloot, M. P.

1997-06-01

Technological advances in arc spray have produced a system that competes favorably with other thermal spray processes. In the past, arc spray was thought of as a process for very large parts that need thick buildups. However, an attachment device known as the arc jet system has been developed that focuses the pattern and accelerates the particles. This attachment device, coupled with the in-troduction of metal-cored wires that provide the same chemistries as plasma-sprayed powders, pro-vides application engineers with a viable economic alternative to existing spray methods. A comparative evaluation of a standard production plasma spray system was conducted with the arc spray process using the attachment device. This evaluation was conducted by an airline company on four major parts coated with nickel-aluminum. Results show that, for these applications, the arc spray process offers several benefits.

Al2O3-ZrO2 Finely Structured Multilayer Architectures from Suspension Plasma Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tingaud, Olivier; Montavon, Ghislain; Denoirjean, Alain; Coudert, Jean-François; Rat, Vincent; Fauchais, Pierre

2010-01-01

Suspension plasma spraying (SPS) is an alternative to conventional atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) aiming at manufacturing thinner layers (i.e., 10-100 μm) due to the specific size of the feedstock particles, from a few tens of nanometers to a few micrometers. The staking of lamellae and particles, which present a diameter ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 μm and an average thickness from 20 to 300 nm, permits to manufacture finely structured layers. Moreover, it appears as a versatile process able to manufacture different coating architectures according to the operating parameters (suspension properties, injection configuration, plasma properties, spray distance, torch scan velocity, scanning step, etc.). However, the different parameters controlling the properties of the coating, and their interdependences, are not yet fully identified. Thus, the aim of this paper is, on the one hand, to better understand the influence of operating parameters on the coating manufacturing mechanisms (in particular, the plasma gas mixture effect) and, on the other hand, to produce Al2O3-ZrO2 finely structured layers with large varieties of architectures. For this purpose, a simple theoretical model was used to describe the plasma torch operating conditions at the nozzle exit, based on experimental data (mass enthalpy, arc current intensity, thermophysical properties of plasma forming gases, etc.) and the influences of the spray parameters were determined by mean of the study of sizes and shapes of spray beads. The results enabled then to reach a better understanding of involved phenomena and their interactions on the final coating architectures permitting to manufacture several types of microstructures.

Superhydrophobic Ceramic Coatings by Solution Precursor Plasma Spray

PubMed Central

Cai, Yuxuan; Coyle, Thomas W.; Azimi, Gisele; Mostaghimi, Javad

2016-01-01

This work presents a novel coating technique to manufacture ceramic superhydrophobic coatings rapidly and economically. A rare earth oxide (REO) was selected as the coating material due to its hydrophobic nature, chemical inertness, high temperature stability, and good mechanical properties, and deposited on stainless steel substrates by solution precursor plasma spray (SPPS). The effects of various spraying conditions including standoff distance, torch power, number of torch passes, types of solvent and plasma velocity were investigated. The as-sprayed coating demonstrated a hierarchically structured surface topography, which closely resembles superhydrophobic surfaces found in nature. The water contact angle on the SPPS superhydrophobic coating was up to 65% higher than on smooth REO surfaces. PMID:27091306

High velocity pulsed wire-arc spray

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kincaid, Russell W. (Inventor); Witherspoon, F. Douglas (Inventor); Massey, Dennis W. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

Wire arc spraying using repetitively pulsed, high temperature gas jets, usually referred to as plasma jets, and generated by capillary discharges, substantially increases the velocity of atomized and entrained molten droplets. The quality of coatings produced is improved by increasing the velocity with which coating particles impact the coated surface. The effectiveness of wire-arc spraying is improved by replacing the usual atomizing air stream with a rapidly pulsed high velocity plasma jet. Pulsed power provides higher coating particle velocities leading to improved coatings. 50 micron aluminum droplets with velocities of 1500 m/s are produced. Pulsed plasma jet spraying provides the means to coat the insides of pipes, tubes, and engine block cylinders with very high velocity droplet impact.

Mathematical modelling of powder material motion and transportation in high-temperature flow core during plasma coatings application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogdanovich, V. I.; Giorbelidze, M. G.

2018-03-01

A problem of mathematical modelling of powder material motion and transportation in gas thermal flow core has been addressed. Undertaken studies indicate significant impact on dynamics of motion of sprayed particles of phenomenological law for drag coefficient and accounting momentum loss of a plasma jet upon acceleration of these particles and their diameter. It is determined that at great dispersion of spraying particles, they reach detail surface at different velocity and significant particles separation takes place at spraying spot. According to the results of mathematical modelling, requirements for admissible dispersion of diameters of particles used for spraying have been formulated. Research has also allowed reducing separation of particles at the spraying spot due to the selection of the method of powder feed to the anode channel of the plasma torch.

Characterization of metal-supported axial injection plasma sprayed solid oxide fuel cells with aqueous suspension plasma sprayed electrolyte layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waldbillig, D.; Kesler, O.

A method for manufacturing metal-supported SOFCs with atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) is presented, making use of aqueous suspension feedstock for the electrolyte layer and dry powder feedstock for the anode and cathode layers. The cathode layer was deposited first directly onto a metal support, in order to minimize contact resistance, and to allow the introduction of added porosity. The electrolyte layers produced by suspension plasma spraying (SPS) were characterized in terms of thickness, permeability, and microstructure, and the impact of substrate morphology on electrolyte properties was investigated. Fuel cells produced by APS were electrochemically tested at temperatures ranging from 650 to 750 °C. The substrate morphology had little effect on open circuit voltage, but substrates with finer porosity resulted in lower kinetic losses in the fuel cell polarization.

Plasma-sprayed titanium coating to polyetheretherketone improves the bone-implant interface.

PubMed

Walsh, William R; Bertollo, Nicky; Christou, Chrisopher; Schaffner, Dominik; Mobbs, Ralph J

2015-05-01

Rapid and stable fixation at the bone-implant interface would be regarded as one of the primary goals to achieve clinical efficacy, regardless of the surgical site. Although mechanical and physical properties of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) provide advantages for implant devices, the hydrophobic nature and the lack of direct bone contact remains a limitation. To examine the effects of a plasma-sprayed titanium coated PEEK on the mechanical and histologic properties at the bone-implant interface. A preclinical laboratory study. Polyetheretherketone and plasma-sprayed titanium coated PEEK implants (Ti-bond; Spinal Elements, Carlsbad, CA, USA) were placed in a line-to-line manner in cortical bone and in a press-fit manner in cancellous bone of adult sheep using an established ovine model. Shear strength was assessed in the cortical sites at 4 and 12 weeks, whereas histology was performed in cortical and cancellous sites at both time points. The titanium coating dramatically improved the shear strength at the bone-implant interface at 4 weeks and continued to improve with time compared with PEEK. Direct bone ongrowth in cancellous and cortical sites can be achieved using a plasma-sprayed titanium coating on PEEK. Direct bone to implant bonding can be achieved on PEEK in spite of its hydrophobic nature using a plasma-sprayed titanium coating. The plasma-sprayed titanium coating improved mechanical properties in the cortical sites and the histology in cortical and cancellous sites. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Atmospheric plasma sprayed (APS) coatings of Al2O3-TiO2 system for photocatalytic application.

PubMed

Stengl, V; Ageorges, H; Ctibor, P; Murafa, N

2009-05-01

The goal of this study is to examine the photocatalytic ability of coatings produced by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). The plasma gun used is a common gas-stabilized plasma gun (GSP) working with a d.c. current and a mixture of argon and hydrogen as plasma-forming gas. The TiO(2) powders are particles of about 100 nm which were agglomerated to a mean size of about 55 mum, suitable for spraying. Composition of the commercial powder is 13 wt% of TiO(2) in Al(2)O(3), whereas also in-house prepared powder with the same nominal composition but with agglomerated TiO(2) and conventional fused and crushed Al(2)O(3) was sprayed. The feedstock materials used for this purpose are alpha-alumina and anatase titanium dioxide. The coatings are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion probe (EDS) and X-ray diffraction. Photocatalytic degradation of acetone is quantified for various coatings. All plasma sprayed coatings show a lamellar structure on cross section, as typical for this process. Anatase titania from feedstock powder is converted into rutile titania and alpha-alumina partly to gamma-alumina. Coatings are proven to catalyse the acetone decomposition when irradiated by UV rays.

Automatic targeting of plasma spray gun

DOEpatents

Abbatiello, Leonard A.; Neal, Richard E.

1978-01-01

A means for monitoring the material portion in the flame of a plasma spray gun during spraying operations is provided. A collimated detector, sensitive to certain wavelengths of light emission, is used to locate the centroid of the material with each pass of the gun. The response from the detector is then relayed to the gun controller to be used to automatically realign the gun.

Apparatus For Metal/Inert-Gas Welding In Vacuum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stocks, C. O.

1994-01-01

Metal/inert-gas welding-torch assembly operates in vacuum. Plasma generated in interior chamber and focused onto workpiece in vacuum. Pinch rollers feed wire to weld puddle. Controlled flow of plasma reduces dispersal in vacuum, preventing extinction.

Efficiency of surface cleaning by a glow discharge for plasma spraying coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadyrmetov, A. M.; Kashapov, N. F.; Sharifullin, S. N.; Saifutdinov, A. I.; Fadeev, S. A.

2016-06-01

The article presents the results of experimental studies of the quality of cleaning steel surfaces by a glow discharge for plasma spraying. Shows the results of measurements of the angle of surface wetting and bond strength of the plasma coating to the surface treated. The dependence of the influence of the glow discharge power, chamber pressure, distance between the electrodes and the processing time of the surface on cleaning efficiency. Optimal fields of factors is found. It is shown increase joint strength coating and base by 30-80% as a result of cleaning the substrate surface by a glow discharge plasma spraying.

Modeling the Transport Phenomena in the Solution Precursor Plasma Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Yanguang

2008-10-01

Solution precursor plasma spraying has been used to produce finely structured ceramic coatings with nano- and sub-micrometric features. This process involves the injection of a solution spray of ceramic salts into a DC plasma jet under atmospheric condition. During the process, the solvent vaporizes as the droplet travel downstream. Solid particles are finally formed due to the precipitation of the solute, and the particle are heated up and accelerated to the substrate to generate the coating. This work describes a 3D model to simulate the transport phenomena and the trajectory and heating of the solution spray in the process. The jet-spray two-way interactions are considered. A simplified model is employed to simulate the evolution process and the formation of the solid particle from the solution droplet in the plasma jet. O'Rourke's droplet collision model is used to take into account of the influence of droplet collision. The influence of droplet breakup is also considered by implementing TAB droplet breakup models into the plasma jet model. The temperature and velocity fields of the jet are obtained and validated. The particle size, velocity, temperature and position distribution on the substrate are predicted.

Effect of Plasma Nitriding and Nitrocarburizing on HVOF-Sprayed Stainless Steel Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Gayoung; Bae, Gyuyeol; Moon, Kyungil; Lee, Changhee

2013-12-01

In this work, the effects of plasma nitriding (PN) and nitrocarburizing on HVOF-sprayed stainless steel nitride layers were investigated. 316 (austenitic), 17-4PH (precipitation hardening), and 410 (martensitic) stainless steels were plasma-nitrided and nitrocarburized using a N2 + H2 gas mixture and the gas mixture containing C2H2, respectively, at 550 °C. The results showed that the PN and nitrocarburizing produced a relatively thick nitrided layer consisting of a compound layer and an adjacent nitrogen diffusion layer depending on the crystal structures of the HVOF-sprayed stainless steel coatings. Also, the diffusion depth of nitrogen increased when a small amount of C2H2 (plasma nitrocarburizing process) was added. The PN and nitrocarburizing resulted in not only an increase of the surface hardness, but also improvement of the load bearing capacity of the HVOF-sprayed stainless steel coatings because of the formation of CrN, Fe3N, and Fe4N phases. Also, the plasma-nitrocarburized HVOF-sprayed 410 stainless steel had a superior surface microhardness and load bearing capacity due to the formation of Cr23C6 on the surface.

Deposition of Composite LSCF-SDC and SSC-SDC Cathodes by Axial-Injection Plasma Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, Jeffrey; Qureshi, Musab; Kesler, Olivera

2012-06-01

The performance of solid oxide fuel cell cathodes can be improved by increasing the number of electrochemical reaction sites, by controlling microstructures, or by using composite materials that consist of an ionic conductor and a mixed ionic and electronic conductor. LSCF (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ) and SSC (Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3) cathodes were manufactured by axial-injection atmospheric plasma spraying, and composite cathodes were fabricated by mixing SDC (Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9) into the feedstock powders. The plasma power was varied by changing the proportion of nitrogen in the plasma gas. The microstructures of cathodes produced with different plasma powers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and gas permeation measurements. The deposition efficiencies of these cathodes were calculated based on the mass of the sprayed cathode. Particle surface temperatures were measured in-flight to enhance understanding of the relationship between spray parameters, microstructure, and deposition efficiency.

Photon calorimeter

DOEpatents

Chow, Tze-Show

1988-04-22

A photon calorimeter is provided that comprises a laminar substrate that is uniform in density and homogeneous in atomic composition. A plasma-sprayed coating, that is generally uniform in density and homogeneous in atomic composition within the proximity of planes that are parallel to the surfaces of the substrate, is applied to either one or both sides of the laminar substrate. The plasma-sprayed coatings may be very efficiently spectrally tailored in atomic number. Thermocouple measuring junctions, are positioned within the plasma-sprayed coatings. The calorimeter is rugged, inexpensive, and equilibrates in temperature very rapidly. 4 figs.

Microstructure and Transparent Super-Hydrophobic Performance of Vacuum Cold-Sprayed Al2O3 and SiO2 Aerogel Composite Coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jie; Zhang, Yu; Ma, Kai; Pan, Xi-De; Li, Cheng-Xin; Yang, Guan-Jun; Li, Chang-Jiu

2018-02-01

In this study, vacuum cold spraying was used as a simple and fast way to prepare transparent super-hydrophobic coatings. Submicrometer-sized Al2O3 powder modified by 1,1,2,2-tetrahydroperfluorodecyltriethoxysilane and mixed with hydrophobic SiO2 aerogel was employed for the coating deposition. The deposition mechanisms of pure Al2O3 powder and Al2O3-SiO2 mixed powder were examined, and the effects of powder structure on the hydrophobicity and light transmittance of the coatings were evaluated. The results showed that appropriate contents of SiO2 aerogel in the mixed powder could provide sufficient cushioning to the deposition of submicrometer Al2O3 powder during spraying. The prepared composite coating surface showed rough structures with a large number of submicrometer convex deposited particles, characterized by being super-hydrophobic. Also, the transmittance of the obtained coating was higher than 80% in the range of visible light.

Interaction between the compact tori and coated stainless-steel samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rohollahi, A.; Khatir, S.; Xiao, C.; Hirose, A.

2017-02-01

The surface damages due to the transient heat load and particle fluxes on the surface of the coated stainless-steel (SS) samples have been investigated. University of Saskatchewan compact torus injector has been used to inject the high heat load and the particle flux on the surface of stainless samples with three different types of coatings. The type 1 samples were made from a SS plate coated by tungsten. The other two samples had additional films of either nickel (type 2) or chromium (type 3) on the type 1 samples. The vacuum plasma spray technique has been applied for the coating of the samples. Surface cracking and melting have been observed on the surface after the samples were impacted by many high-speed and dense plasmoids.

Fuel Retention Improvement at High Temperatures in Tungsten-Uranium Dioxide Dispersion Fuel Elements by Plasma-Spray Cladding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grisaffe, Salvatore J.; Caves, Robert M.

1964-01-01

An investigation was undertaken to determine the feasibility of depositing integrally bonded plasma-sprayed tungsten coatings onto 80-volume-percent tungsten - 20-volume-percent uranium dioxide composites. These composites were face clad with thin tungsten foil to inhibit uranium dioxide loss at elevated temperatures, but loss at the unclad edges was still significant. By preheating the composite substrates to approximately 3700 degrees F in a nitrogen environment, metallurgically bonded tungsten coatings could be obtained directly by plasma spraying. Furthermore, even though these coatings were thin and somewhat porous, they greatly inhibited the loss of uranium dioxide. For example, a specimen that was face clad but had no edge cladding lost 5.8 percent uranium dioxide after 2 hours at 4750 dgrees F in flowing hydrogen. A similar specimen with plasma-spray-coated edges, however, lost only 0.75 percent uranium dioxide under the same testing conditions.

Materials for Advanced Turbine Engines (MATE). Project 4: Erosion resistant compressor airfoil coating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rashid, J. M.; Freling, M.; Friedrich, L. A.

1987-01-01

The ability of coatings to provide at least a 2X improvement in particulate erosion resistance for steel, nickel and titanium compressor airfoils was identified and demonstrated. Coating materials evaluated included plasma sprayed cobalt tungsten carbide, nickel carbide and diffusion applied chromium plus boron. Several processing parameters for plasma spray processing and diffusion coating were evaluated to identify coating systems having the most potential for providing airfoil erosion resistance. Based on laboratory results and analytical evaluations, selected coating systems were applied to gas turbine blades and evaluated for surface finish, burner rig erosion resistance and effect on high cycle fatigue strength. Based on these tests, the following coatings were recommended for engine testing: Gator-Gard plasma spray 88WC-12Co on titanium alloy airfoils, plasma spray 83WC-17Co on steel and nickel alloy airfoils, and Cr+B on nickel alloy airfoils.

Effects of RF plasma treatment on spray-pyrolyzed copper oxide films on silicon substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madera, Rozen Grace B.; Martinez, Melanie M.; Vasquez, Magdaleno R., Jr.

2018-01-01

The effects of radio-frequency (RF) argon (Ar) plasma treatment on the structural, morphological, electrical and compositional properties of the spray-pyrolyzed p-type copper oxide films on n-type (100) silicon (Si) substrates were investigated. The films were successfully synthesized using 0.3 M copper acetate monohydrate sprayed on precut Si substrates maintained at 350 °C. X-ray diffraction revealed cupric oxide (CuO) with a monoclinic structure. An apparent improvement in crystallinity was realized after Ar plasma treatment, attributed to the removal of residues contaminating the surface. Scanning electron microscope images showed agglomerated monoclinic grains and revealed a reduction in size upon plasma exposure induced by the sputtering effect. The current-voltage characteristics of CuO/Si showed a rectifying behavior after Ar plasma exposure with an increase in turn-on voltage. Four-point probe measurements revealed a decrease in sheet resistance after plasma irradiation. Fourier transform infrared spectral analyses also showed O-H and C-O bands on the films. This work was able to produce CuO thin films via spray pyrolysis on Si substrates and enhancement in their properties by applying postdeposition Ar plasma treatment.

Effects of Anode Arc Root Fluctuation on Coating Quality During Plasma Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Lian-Tong; Gao, Yang; Sun, Chengqi

2011-06-01

To obtain a coating of high quality, a new type of plasma torch was designed and constructed to increase the stability of the plasma arc and reduce the air entrainment into the plasma jet. The torch, called bi-anode torch, generates an elongated arc with comparatively high arc voltage and low arc fluctuation. Spraying experiments were carried out to compare the quality of coatings deposited by a conventional torch and a bi-anode torch. Alumina coatings and tungsten carbide coatings were prepared to appraise the heating of the sprayed particles in the plasma jets and the entrainment of the surrounding air into the plasma jets, respectively. The results show that anode arc root fluctuation has only a small effect on the melting rate of alumina particles. On the other hand, reduced air entrainment into the plasma jet of the bi-anode torch will drastically reduce the decarbonization of tungsten carbide coatings.

Fabrication of CIS Absorber Layers with Different Thicknesses Using A Non-Vacuum Spray Coating Method.

PubMed

Diao, Chien-Chen; Kuo, Hsin-Hui; Tzou, Wen-Cheng; Chen, Yen-Lin; Yang, Cheng-Fu

2014-01-03

In this study, a new thin-film deposition process, spray coating method (SPM), was investigated to deposit the high-densified CuInSe₂ absorber layers. The spray coating method developed in this study was a non-vacuum process, based on dispersed nano-scale CuInSe₂ precursor and could offer a simple, inexpensive, and alternative formation technology for CuInSe₂ absorber layers. After spraying on Mo/glass substrates, the CuInSe₂ thin films were annealed at 550 °C by changing the annealing time from 5 min to 30 min in a selenization furnace, using N₂ as atmosphere. When the CuInSe₂ thin films were annealed, without extra Se or H₂Se gas used as the compensation source during the annealing process. The aim of this project was to investigate the influence of annealing time on the densification and crystallization of the CuInSe₂ absorber layers to optimize the quality for cost effective solar cell production. The thickness of the CuInSe₂ absorber layers could be controlled as the volume of used dispersed CuInSe₂-isopropyl alcohol solution was controlled. In this work, X-ray diffraction patterns, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Hall parameter measurements were performed in order to verify the quality of the CuInSe₂ absorber layers obtained by the Spray Coating Method.

Apparatus for coating a surface with a metal utilizing a plasma source

DOEpatents

Brown, I.G.; MacGill, R.A.; Galvin, J.E.

1991-05-07

An apparatus and method are disclosed for coating or layering a surface with a metal utilizing a metal vapor vacuum arc plasma source. The apparatus includes a trigger mechanism for actuating the metal vacuum vapor arc plasma source in a pulsed mode at a predetermined rate. The surface or substrate to be coated or layered is supported in position with the plasma source in a vacuum chamber. The surface is electrically biased for a selected period of time during the pulsed mode of operation of the plasma source. Both the pulsing of the metal vapor vacuum arc plasma source and the electrical biasing of the surface are synchronized for selected periods of time. 10 figures.

Apparatus for coating a surface with a metal utilizing a plasma source

DOEpatents

Brown, Ian G.; MacGill, Robert A.; Galvin, James E.

1991-01-01

An apparatus and method for coating or layering a surface with a metal utilizing a metal vapor vacuum arc plasma source. The apparatus includes a trigger mechanism for actuating the metal vacuum vapor arc plasma source in a pulsed mode at a predetermined rate. The surface or substrate to be coated or layered is supported in position with the plasma source in a vacuum chamber. The surface is electrically biased for a selected period of time during the pulsed mode of operation of the plasma source. Both the pulsing of the metal vapor vacuum arc plasma source and the electrical biasing of the surface are synchronized for selected periods of time.

Ceramic Top Coats of Plasma-Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings: Materials, Processes, and Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakan, Emine; Vaßen, Robert

2017-08-01

The ceramic top coat has a major influence on the performance of the thermal barrier coating systems (TBCs). Yttria-partially-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is the top coat material frequently used, and the major deposition processes of the YSZ top coat are atmospheric plasma spraying and electron beam physical vapor deposition. Recently, also new thermal spray processes such as suspension plasma spraying or plasma spray-physical vapor deposition have been intensively investigated for TBC top coat deposition. These new processes and particularly the different coating microstructures that can be deposited with them will be reviewed in this article. Furthermore, the properties and the intrinsic-extrinsic degradation mechanisms of the YSZ will be discussed. Following the TBC deposition processes and standard YSZ material, alternative ceramic materials such as perovskites and hexaaluminates will be summarized, while properties of pyrochlores with regard to their crystal structure will be discussed more in detail. The merits of the pyrochlores such as good CMAS resistance as well as their weaknesses, e.g., low fracture toughness, processability issues, will be outlined.

Influence of vacuum annealing on the properties of Cu2SnS3 thin films using low cost ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahaman, Sabina; Sunil, M. Anantha; Shaik, Habibuddin; Ghosh, Kaustab

2018-05-01

Deposition of Cu2SnS3 (CTS) thin films is successfully carried out on soda lime glass substrate using low cost ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique. Vacuum annealing of CTS films is carried out at different temperatures 350°C, 400°C and 450°C. The present work is to study the effect of annealing temperature on the crystal structure, surface morphology and optical properties of CTS thin films. Structural studies confirm the formation of CTS phase. Raman analysis is carried out to study presence of defects with annealing temperature. Optical studies confirm that film prepared at 450°C temperature is suitable as absorber material for photovoltaic applications.

Environmental Durability of Coated GRCop-84 Copper Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raj, Sai V.; Robinson, C.; Barrett, C.; Humphrey, D.

2005-01-01

An advanced Cu-8(at.%)Cr-4%Nb alloy developed at NASA's Glenn Research Center, and designated as GRCop-84, is currently being considered for use as liners in combustor chambers and nozzle ramps in NASA s future generations of reusable launch vehicles (RLVs). However, past experience has shown that unprotected copper alloys undergo an environmental attack called "blanching" in rocket engines using liquid hydrogen as fuel and liquid oxygen as the oxidizer. Potential for sulfidation attack of the liners in hydrocarbon-fueled engines is also of concern. As a result, protective overlay coatings alloys are being developed for GRCop-84. The oxidation behavior of several new coating alloys has been evaluated. GRCop-84 specimens were coated with several copper and nickel-based coatings, where the coatings were deposited by either vacuum plasma spraying or cold spraying techniques. Coated and uncoated specimens were thermally cycled in a furnace at different temperatures in order to evaluate the performance of the coatings. Additional studies were conducted in a high pressure burner rig using a hydrocarbon fuel and subjected to a high heat flux hydrogen-oxygen combustion flame in NASA s Quick Access Rocket Exhaust (QARE) rig. The performance of these coatings are discussed.

Mechanical, In Vitro Antimicrobial and Biological Properties of Plasma Sprayed Silver-Doped Hydroxyapatite Coating

PubMed Central

Roy, Mangal; Fielding, Gary A.; Beyenal, Haluk; Bandyopadhyay, Amit; Bose, Susmita

2012-01-01

Implant related infection is one of the key concerns in total joint hip arthroplasties. In order to reduce bacterial adhesion, silver (Ag) / silver oxide (Ag2O) doping was used in plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coating on titanium substrate. HA powder was doped with 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 wt% Ag, heat treated at 800 °C and used for plasma spray coating using a 30 kW plasma spray system, equipped with supersonic nozzle. Application of supersonic plasma nozzle significantly reduced phase decomposition and amorphous phase formation in the HA coatings as evident by X-ray diffraction (XRD) study and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. Adhesive bond strength of more than 15 MPa ensured the mechanical integrity of the coatings. Resistance against bacterial adhesion of the coatings was determined by challenging them against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (PAO1). Live/Dead staining of the adherent bacteria on the coating surfaces indicated a significant reduction in bacterial adhesion due to the presence of Ag. In vitro cell-material interactions and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) protein expressions were evaluated by culturing human fetal osteoblast cells (hFOB). Present results suggest that the plasma sprayed HA coatings doped with an optimum amount of Ag can have excellent antimicrobial property without altering mechanical property of the Ag doped HA coatings. PMID:22313742

Mechanical, in vitro antimicrobial, and biological properties of plasma-sprayed silver-doped hydroxyapatite coating.

PubMed

Roy, Mangal; Fielding, Gary A; Beyenal, Haluk; Bandyopadhyay, Amit; Bose, Susmita

2012-03-01

Implant-related infection is one of the key concerns in total joint hip arthroplasties. To reduce bacterial adhesion, we used silver (Ag)/silver oxide (Ag(2)O) doping in plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coating on titanium substrate. HA powder was doped with 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 wt % Ag, heat-treated at 800 °C and used for plasma spray coating using a 30 kW plasma spray system, equipped with supersonic nozzle. Application of supersonic plasma nozzle significantly reduced phase decomposition and amorphous phase formation in the HA coatings as evident by X-ray diffraction (XRD) study and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. Adhesive bond strength of more than 15 MPa ensured the mechanical integrity of the coatings. Resistance against bacterial adhesion of the coatings was determined by challenging them against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1). Live/dead staining of the adherent bacteria on the coating surfaces indicated a significant reduction in bacterial adhesion due to the presence of Ag. In vitro cell-material interactions and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) protein expressions were evaluated by culturing human fetal osteoblast cells (hFOB). Our results suggest that the plasma-sprayed HA coatings doped with an optimum amount of Ag can have excellent antimicrobial property without altering mechanical property of the Ag-doped HA coatings. © 2012 American Chemical Society

Development of a plasma sprayed ceramic gas path seal for high pressure turbine application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shiembob, L. T.

1978-01-01

Development of the plasma sprayed graded, layered ZRO2/CoCrAlY seal system for gas turbine engine blade tip seal applications up to 1589 K (2400 F) surface temperature was continued. The effect of changing ZRO2/CoCrAlY ratios in the intermediate layers on thermal stresses was evaluated analytically with the goal of identifying the materials combinations which would minimize thermal stresses in the seal system. Three methods of inducing compressive residual stresses in the sprayed seal materials to offset tensile thermal stresses were analyzed. The most promising method, thermal prestraining, was selected based upon potential, feasibility and complexity considerations. The plasma spray equipment was modified to heat, control and monitor the substrate temperature during spraying. Specimens were fabricated and experimentally evaluated to: (1) substantiate the capability of the thermal prestrain method to develop compressive residual stresses in the sprayed structure and (2) define the effect of spraying on a heated substate on abradability, erosion and thermal shock characteristics of the seal system. Thermal stress analysis, including residual stresses and material properties variations, was performed and correlated with thermal shock test results. Seal system performance was assessed and recommendations for further development were made.

Phase analysis of plasma-sprayed zirconia-yttria coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shankar, N. R.; Berndt, C. C.; Herman, H.

1983-01-01

Phase analysis of plasma-sprayed 8 wt pct-yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier coatings and powders was carried out by X-ray diffraction. Step scanning was used for increased peak resolution. Plasma spraying of the YSZ powder into water or onto a steel substrate to form a coating reduced the cubic and monoclinic phases with a simultaneous increase in the tetragonal phase. Heat treatment of the coating at 1150 C for 10 h in an Ar atmosphere increased the amount of cubic and monoclinic phases. The implications of these transformations on coating performance and integrity are discussed.

Photon Calorimeter

DOEpatents

Chow, Tze-Show

1989-01-01

A photon calorimeter (20, 40) is provided that comprises a laminar substrate (10, 22, 42) that is uniform in density and homogeneous in atomic composition. A plasma-sprayed coating (28, 48, 52), that is generally uniform in density and homogeneous in atomic composition within the proximity of planes that are parallel to the surfaces of the substrate, is applied to either one or both sides of the laminar substrate. The plasma-sprayed coatings may be very efficiently spectrally tailored in atomic number. Thermocouple measuring junctions (30, 50, 54) are positioned within the plasma-sprayed coatings. The calorimeter is rugged, inexpensive, and equilibrates in temperature very rapidly.

Hydroxyapatite coatings deposited by liquid precursor plasma spraying: controlled dense and porous microstructures and osteoblastic cell responses.

PubMed

Huang, Yi; Song, Lei; Liu, Xiaoguang; Xiao, Yanfeng; Wu, Yao; Chen, Jiyong; Wu, Fang; Gu, Zhongwei

2010-12-01

Hydroxyapatite coatings were deposited on Ti-6Al-4V substrates by a novel plasma spraying process, the liquid precursor plasma spraying (LPPS) process. X-ray diffraction results showed that the coatings obtained by the LPPS process were mainly composed of hydroxyapatite. The LPPS process also showed excellent control on the coating microstructure, and both nearly fully dense and highly porous hydroxyapatite coatings were obtained by simply adjusting the solid content of the hydroxyapatite liquid precursor. Scanning electron microscope observations indicated that the porous hydroxyapatite coatings had pore size in the range of 10-200 µm and an average porosity of 48.26 ± 0.10%. The osteoblastic cell responses to the dense and porous hydroxyapatite coatings were evaluated with human osteoblastic cell MG-63, in respect of the cell morphology, proliferation and differentiation, with the hydroxyapatite coatings deposited by the atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) process as control. The cell experiment results indicated that the heat-treated LPPS coatings with a porous structure showed the best cell proliferation and differentiation among all the hydroxyapatite coatings. Our results suggest that the LPPS process is a promising plasma spraying technique for fabricating hydroxyapatite coatings with a controllable microstructure, which has great potential in bone repair and replacement applications.

Recent Trends in Newly Developed Plasma-Sprayed and Sintered Coatings for Implant Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bsat, Suzan; Speirs, Andrew; Huang, Xiao

2016-08-01

The current paper aims to review recent trends (2011 to 2015) in newly developed plasma-sprayed and sintered coatings for implant applications. Recent developments in plasma-sprayed and sintered coatings have focused on improving biological performance, bacterial growth resistance, and mechanical properties, predominantly of HA and glass ceramics. The majority of these improvements are attributed to the addition of dopants. To improve biological performance, trace elements, such as Zn and Mg, both of which are found in bone, were added to replicate the functions they provide for the skeletal system. Though bacterial growth resistance is traditionally improved by Ag dopant, the addition of new dopants such as CeO2 and Zn were explored as well. Great effort has also been made to improve coating adherence and reduce stresses by minimizing coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between the coating and substrate through the addition of elements such as Zn and Mg or the inclusion of a buffer layer. For sintering process in particular, there was an emphasis on reducing sintering temperature through modification of 45S5 Bioglass. New plasma spray and sintering technologies aimed at reducing high-temperature exposure are briefly introduced as well. These include microplasma spray and spark plasma sintering.

Water sprays in space retrieval operations. [for disabled spacecraft detumbling and despinning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freesland, D. C.

1978-01-01

The water spray technique (WST) for nullifying the angular momentum of a disabled spacecraft is examined. Such a despinning operation is necessary before a disabled spacecraft can be retrieved by the Space Shuttle. The WST involving the use of liquid sprays appears to be less complex and costly than other techniques proposed to despin a disabled vehicle. A series of experiments have been conducted to determine physical properties of water sprays exhausting into a vacuum. A computer model is built which together with the experimental results yields satellite despin performance parameters. The selection and retrieval of an actual disabled spacecraft is considered to demonstrate an application of the WST.

Improvement of wear resistance of plasma-sprayed molybdenum blend coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahn, Jeehoon; Hwang, Byoungchul; Lee, Sunghak

2005-06-01

The wear resistance of plasma sprayed molybdenum blend coatings applicable to synchronizer rings or piston rings was investigated in this study. Four spray powders, one of which was pure molybdenum and the others blended powders of bronze and aluminum-silicon alloy powders mixed with molybdenum powders, were sprayed on a low-carbon steel substrate by atmospheric plasma spraying. Microstructural analysis of the coatings showed that the phases formed during spraying were relatively homogeneously distributed in the molybdenum matrix. The wear test results revealed that the wear rate of all the coatings increased with increasing wear load and that the blended coatings exhibited better wear resistance than the pure molybdenum coating, although the hardness was lower. In the pure molybdenum coatings, splats were readily fractured, or cracks were initiated between splats under high wear loads, thereby leading to the decrease in wear resistance. On the other hand, the molybdenum coating blended with bronze and aluminum-silicon alloy powders exhibited excellent wear resistance because hard phases such as CuAl2 and Cu9Al4 formed inside the coating.

Relationship Between Particle and Plasma Properties and Coating Characteristics of Samaria-Doped Ceria Prepared by Atmospheric Plasma Spraying for Use in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cuglietta, Mark; Kesler, Olivera

2012-06-01

Samaria-doped ceria (SDC) has become a promising material for the fabrication of high-performance, intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In this study, the in-flight characteristics, such as particle velocity and surface temperature, of spray-dried SDC agglomerates were measured and correlated to the resulting microstructures of SDC coatings fabricated using atmospheric plasma spraying, a manufacturing technique with the capability of producing full cells in minutes. Plasmas containing argon, nitrogen and hydrogen led to particle surface temperatures higher than those in plasmas containing only argon and nitrogen. A threshold temperature for the successful deposition of SDC on porous stainless steel substrates was calculated to be 2570 °C. Coating porosity was found to be linked to average particle temperature, suggesting that plasma conditions leading to lower particle temperatures may be most suitable for fabricating porous SOFC electrode layers.

Study of atmospheric plasma spray process with the emphasis on gas-shrouded nozzles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jankovic, Miodrag M.

An atmospheric plasma spraying process is investigated in this work by using experimental approach and mathematical modelling. Emphasis was put on the gas shrouded nozzles, their design, and the protection against the mixing with the surrounding air, which they give to the plasma jet. First part of the thesis is dedicated to the analysis of enthalpy probe method, as a major diagnostic tool in this work. Systematic error in measuring the stagnation pressure, due to a big temperature difference between the plasma and the water-cooled probe, is investigated here. Parallel measurements with the enthalpy probe and an uncooled ceramic probe were performed. Also, numerical experiments were conducted, using the k-ɛ model of turbulence. Based on the obtained results, a compensating algorithm for the above error is suggested. Major objective of the thesis was to study the plasma spraying process, and potential benefits from using the gas shrouded nozzles. Mathematical modelling was used to perform the parametric study on the flow pattern inside these nozzles. Two nozzles were used: a commercial conical nozzle, and a custom-made curvilinear nozzle. The later is aimed towards elimination of the cold air entrainment, recorded for the conical nozzle. Also, parametric study on the shrouding gas and its interaction with the plasma jet was carried out. Two modes of the shrouding gas injection were tested: through sixteen injection ports, and through a continuous slot, surrounding the plasma jet. Both nozzles and both injection modes were thoroughly tested, experimentally and numerically. The curvilinear nozzle completely eliminates the cold air entrainment and yields significantly higher plasma temperature. Also, injection through the continuous slot resulted in a much better protection of the plasma jet. Both nozzles were used to perform the spraying tests. Obtained coatings were tested on porosity, adhesion strength, and micro- structure. These tests indicated better micro-structure of the coatings sprayed by the curvilinear nozzle. Also, their porosity was significantly lower, and the adhesion strength was higher for more than 25%. The overall results suggest that the curvilinear nozzles represent a much better solution for the gas shrouded plasma spraying.

Fracture Behaviour of Plasma Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malzbender, Jürgen; Wakui, Takashi; Wessel, Egbert; Steinbrech, Rolf W.

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) of plasma sprayed yttria stabilised zirconia (YSZ) are increasingly utilised for heat exposed components of advanced gas turbines1,2. An important reason for the application of zirconia coatings is the low thermal conductivity of this ceramic material which is further diminished in a TBC by the high concentration of spraying induced microstructural defects, e.g. crack-shaped defects between and within the spraying splats. Thus with TBCs on gas cooled turbine components stiff temperature gradients can be realised as an important prerequisite for an increased thermal efficiency of the energy conversion process.

Optimization of pectin extraction and antioxidant activities from Jerusalem artichoke

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shengyi; Shi, Xuejie; Xu, Lanlan; Yi, Yuetao

2016-03-01

Jerusalem artichoke is an economic crop widely planted in saline-alkaline soil. The use of Jerusalem artichoke is of great significance. In this study, the response surface method was employed to optimize the effects of processing variables (extraction temperature, pH, extraction time, and liquid-to-solid ratio) on the yield of Jerusalem artichoke pectin. Under the optimal extraction conditions: pH 1.52, 63.62 min, 100°C and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 44.4 mL/g, the maximum pectin yield was predicted to be 18.76%. Experiments were conducted under these optimal conditions and a pectin yield of 18.52±0.90% was obtained, which validated the model prediction. The effects of diff erent drying methods (freeze drying, spray drying and vacuum drying) on the properties of Jerusalem artichoke pectin were evaluated and they were compared with apple pectin. FTIR spectral analysis showed no major structural diff erences in Jerusalem artichoke pectin samples produced by various drying treatments. The antioxidant activities of pectin dried by diff erent methods were investigated using in vitro hydroxyl and DPPH radical scavenging systems. The results revealed that the activities of spray dried pectin (SDP) and apple pectin (AP) were stronger than those of vacuum oven dried pectin (ODP) and vacuum freeze dried pectin (FDP). Therefore compared with the other two drying methods, the spray drying method was the best.

Effective Parameters in Axial Injection Suspension Plasma Spray Process of Alumina-Zirconia Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarasi, F.; Medraj, M.; Dolatabadi, A.; Oberste-Berghaus, J.; Moreau, C.

2008-12-01

Suspension plasma spray (SPS) is a novel process for producing nano-structured coatings with metastable phases using significantly smaller particles as compared to conventional thermal spraying. Considering the complexity of the system there is an extensive need to better understand the relationship between plasma spray conditions and resulting coating microstructure and defects. In this study, an alumina/8 wt.% yttria-stabilized zirconia was deposited by axial injection SPS process. The effects of principal deposition parameters on the microstructural features are evaluated using the Taguchi design of experiment. The microstructural features include microcracks, porosities, and deposition rate. To better understand the role of the spray parameters, in-flight particle characteristics, i.e., temperature and velocity were also measured. The role of the porosity in this multicomponent structure is studied as well. The results indicate that thermal diffusivity of the coatings, an important property for potential thermal barrier applications, is barely affected by the changes in porosity content.

Surface modification of air plasma spraying WC-12%Co cermet coating by laser melting technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afzal, M.; Ajmal, M.; Nusair Khan, A.; Hussain, A.; Akhter, R.

2014-03-01

Tungsten carbide cermet powder with 12%Co was deposited on stainless steel substrate by air plasma spraying method. Two types of coatings were produced i.e. thick (430 µm) and thin (260 µm) with varying porosity and splat morphology. The coated samples were treated with CO2 laser under the shroud of inert atmosphere. A series of experimentation was done in this regard, to optimize the laser parameters. The plasma sprayed coated surfaces were then laser treated on the same parameters. After laser melting the treated surfaces were characterized and compared with as-sprayed surfaces. It was observed that the thickness of the sprayed coatings affected the melt depth and the achieved microstructures. It was noted that phases like Co3W3C, Co3W9C4 and W were formed during the laser melting in both samples. The increase in hardness was attributed to the formation of these phases.

Water sprays in space retrieval operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freesland, D. C.

1977-01-01

Experiments were conducted in a ground based vacuum chamber to determine physical properties of water-ice in a space-like environment. Additional ices, alcohol and ammonia, were also studied. An analytical analysis based on the conservation of angular momentum, resulted in despin performance parameters, i.e., total water mass requirements and despin times. The despin and retrieval of a disabled spacecraft was considered to illustrate a potential application of the water spray technique.

Radiation hard vacuum switch

DOEpatents

Boettcher, Gordon E.

1990-01-01

A vacuum switch with an isolated trigger probe which is not directly connected to the switching electrodes. The vacuum switch within the plasmatron is triggered by plasma expansion initiated by the trigger probe which travels through an opening to reach the vacuum switch elements. The plasma arc created is directed by the opening to the space between the anode and cathode of the vacuum switch to cause conduction.

A radiation hard vacuum switch

DOEpatents

Boettcher, G.E.

1988-07-19

A vacuum switch with an isolated trigger probe which is not directly connected to the switching electrodes. The vacuum switch within the plasmatron is triggered by plasma expansion initiated by the trigger probe which travels through an opening to reach the vacuum switch elements. The plasma arc created is directed by the opening to the space between the anode and cathode of the vacuum switch to cause conduction. 3 figs.

Radiation hard vacuum switch

DOEpatents

Boettcher, Gordon E.

1990-03-06

A vacuum switch with an isolated trigger probe which is not directly connected to the switching electrodes. The vacuum switch within the plasmatron is triggered by plasma expansion initiated by the trigger probe which travels through an opening to reach the vacuum switch elements. The plasma arc created is directed by the opening to the space between the anode and cathode of the vacuum switch to cause conduction.

Mueller matrix polarimetry on plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings for porosity measurement.

PubMed

Luo, David A; Barraza, Enrique T; Kudenov, Michael W

2017-12-10

Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is the most widely used material for thermal plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) used to protect gas turbine engine parts in demanding operation environments. The superior material properties of YSZ coatings are related to their internal porosity level. By quantifying the porosity level, tighter control on the spraying process can be achieved to produce reliable coatings. Currently, destructive measurement methods are widely used to measure the porosity level. In this paper, we describe a novel nondestructive approach that is applicable to classify the porosity level of plasma sprayed YSZ TBCs via Mueller matrix polarimetry. A rotating retarder Mueller matrix polarimeter was used to measure the polarization properties of the plasma sprayed YSZ coatings with different porosity levels. From these measurements, it was determined that a sample's measured depolarization ratio is dependent on the sample's surface roughness and porosity level. To this end, we correlate the depolarization ratio with the samples' surface roughness, as measured by a contact profilometer, as well as the total porosity level, in percentage measured using a micrograph and stereological analysis. With the use of this technique, a full-field and rapid measurement of porosity level can be achieved.

A Plasma Window for Transmission of Radiation and Particle Beams from Vacuum to Atmosphere for Various Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hershcovitch, Ady

1997-11-01

Many industrial and scientific processes like electron beam melting and welding, material modification by ion implantation, dry etching, and micro-fabrication, as well as generation of synchrotron radiation are performed almost exclusively in vacuum nowadays, since the electron and ion guns and their extractors must be kept at a reasonably high vacuum. Consequently, there are numerous drawbacks, among which are low production rates due to required pumping time, limits the vacuum volume sets on the size of target objects. In a small number of applications like non-vacuum electron beam welding, and various processes involving UV and x-ray radiation, thin vacuum walls or long stages of differential pumping are used. But, the resultant degradations of particle and radiation beams severely limit those applications. A novel apparatus, which utilized a short plasma arc, was successfully used to maintain a pressure of 7.6 x exp(-6) Torr in a vacuum chamber with a 2.36mm aperture to atmosphere, i.e., a plasma was successfully used to "plug" a hole to atmosphere while maintaining a reasonably high vacuum in the chamber. Successful transmission of charged particle beams from a vacuum through the plasma to atmosphere was accomplished. More details can be found in A. Hershcovitch, J. Appl. Physics 78, p. 5283 (1995). In addition to sustaining a vacuum atmosphere interface, the plasma has very strong lensing effect on charged particles. The plasma current generates an azimuthal magnetic field which exerts a radial Lorentz on charged particles moving parallel to the current channel. With proper orientation of the current direction, the Lorentz force is radially inward. This feature can be used to focus in beams to a very small spot size, and to overcome beam dispersion due to scattering by atmospheric atoms and molecules. Relatively hot plasma at the atmosphere boundary rarefies the atmospheric gases to further enhance particle beam propagation to the materials to target. Recent experimental results, with a plasma window coupled to a venturi, show a factor of three further enhancement in vacuum-atmosphere separation.

Atmospheric Plasma Spraying Low-Temperature Cathode Materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, J.; Kesler, O.

2010-01-01

Atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) is attractive for manufacturing solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) because it allows functional layers to be built rapidly with controlled microstructures. The technique allows SOFCs that operate at low temperatures (500-700 °C) to be fabricated by spraying directly onto robust and inexpensive metallic supports. However, standard cathode materials used in commercial SOFCs exhibit high polarization resistances at low operating temperatures. Therefore, alternative cathode materials with high performance at low temperatures are essential to facilitate the use of metallic supports. Coatings of lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (LSCF) were fabricated on steel substrates using axial-injection APS. The thickness and microstructure of the coating layers were evaluated, and x-ray diffraction analysis was performed on the coatings to detect material decomposition and the formation of undesired phases in the plasma. These results determined the envelope of plasma spray parameters in which coatings of LSCF can be manufactured, and the range of conditions in which composite cathode coatings could potentially be manufactured.

A Novel Hybrid Axial-Radial Atmospheric Plasma Spraying Technique for the Fabrication of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes Containing Cu, Co, Ni, and Samaria-Doped Ceria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cuglietta, Mark; Kuhn, Joel; Kesler, Olivera

2013-06-01

Composite coatings containing Cu, Co, Ni, and samaria-doped ceria (SDC) have been fabricated using a novel hybrid atmospheric plasma spraying technique, in which a multi-component aqueous suspension of CuO, Co3O4, and NiO was injected axially simultaneously with SDC injected radially in a dry powder form. Coatings were characterized for their microstructure, permeability, porosity, and composition over a range of plasma spray conditions. Deposition efficiency of the metal oxides and SDC was also estimated. Depending on the conditions, coatings displayed either layering or high levels of mixing between the SDC and metal phases. The deposition efficiencies of both feedstock types were strongly dependent on the nozzle diameter. Plasma-sprayed metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells utilizing anodes fabricated with this technique demonstrated power densities at 0.7 V as high as 366 and 113 mW/cm2 in humidified hydrogen and methane, respectively, at 800 °C.

Liquid Feedstock Plasma Spraying: An Emerging Process for Advanced Thermal Barrier Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markocsan, Nicolaie; Gupta, Mohit; Joshi, Shrikant; Nylén, Per; Li, Xin-Hai; Wigren, Jan

2017-08-01

Liquid feedstock plasma spraying (LFPS) involves deposition of ultrafine droplets of suspensions or solution precursors (typically ranging from nano- to submicron size) and permits production of coatings with unique microstructures that are promising for advanced thermal barrier coating (TBC) applications. This paper reviews the recent progress arising from efforts devoted to development of high-performance TBCs using the LFPS approach. Advancements in both suspension plasma spraying and solution precursor plasma spraying, which constitute the two main variants of LFPS, are presented. Results illustrating the different types of the microstructures that can be realized in LFPS through appropriate process parameter control, model-assisted assessment of influence of coating defects on thermo-mechanical properties and the complex interplay between pore coarsening, sintering and crystallite growth in governing thermal conductivity are summarized. The enhancement in functional performances/lifetime possible in LFPS TBCs with multilayered architectures and by incorporating new pyrochlore chemistries such as gadolinium zirconate, besides the conventional single 8 wt.% yttria-stabilized zirconia insulating ceramic layer, is specifically highlighted.

Advanced Microstructural Study of Suspension Plasma Sprayed Hydroxyapatite Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podlesak, Harry; Pawlowski, Lech; D'Haese, Romain; Laureyns, Jacky; Lampke, Thomas; Bellayer, Severine

2010-03-01

Fine, home-synthesized, hydroxyapatite powder was formulated with water and alcohol to obtain a suspension used to plasma spray coatings onto a titanium substrate. The deposition process was optimized using statistical design of 2 n experiments with two variables: spray distance and electric power input to plasma. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine quantitatively the phase composition of obtained deposits. Raman microscopy and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) enabled localization of the phases in different positions of the coating cross sections. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) study associated with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) enabled visualization and analysis of a two-zone microstructure. One zone contained crystals of hydroxyapatite, tetracalcium phosphate, and a phase rich in calcium oxide. This zone included lamellas, usually observed in thermally sprayed coatings. The other zone contained fine hydroxyapatite grains that correspond to nanometric and submicrometric solids from the suspension that were agglomerated and sintered in the cold regions of plasma jet and on the substrate.

The feasibility study of hot cell decontamination by the PFC spray method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hui-Jun Won; Chong-Hun Jung; Jei-Kwon Moon

2008-01-15

The characteristics of per-fluorocarbon compounds (PFC) are colorless, non-toxic, easily vaporized and nonflammable. Also, some of them are liquids of a high density, low surface tension, low latent heat and low specific heat. These particular chemical and physical properties of fluoro-organic compounds permit their use in very different fields such as electronics, medicine, tribology, nuclear and material science. The Sonatol process was developed under a contract with the DOE. The Sonatol process uses an ultrasonic agitation in a PFC solution that contains a fluorinated surfactant to remove radioactive particles from surfaces. Filtering the suspended particles allows the solutions to bemore » reused indefinitely. They applied the Sonatol process to the decontamination of a heterogeneous legacy Pu-238 waste that exhibited an excessive hydrogen gas generation, which prevents a transportation of such a waste to a Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) is developing dry decontamination technologies applicable to a decontamination of a highly radioactive area loosely contaminated with radioactive particles. This contamination has occurred as a result of an examination of a post-irradiated material or the development of the DUPIC process. The dry decontamination technologies developed are the carbon dioxide pellet spray method and the PFC spray method. As a part of the project, PFC ultrasonic decontamination technology was developed in 2004. The PFC spray decontamination method which is based on the test results of the PFC ultrasonic method has been under development since 2005. The developed PFC spray decontamination equipment consists of four modules (spray, collection, filtration and distillation). Vacuum cup of the collection module gathers the contaminated PFC solution, then the solution is moved to the filtration module and it is recycled. After a multiple recycling of the spent PFC solution, it is purified in the distillation module. A performance test on each module was executed and the results have been reported. A combined test of the four modules, however, has not been performed as yet. The main objective of the present study is to demonstrate the feasibility of the full PFC spray decontamination process. Decontamination of the inside of the IMEF hot cell by the PFC spray method was also performed. PFC spray decontamination process was demonstrated by using a surrogate wall contaminated with Eu{sub 2}O{sub 3} powder. The spray pressure was 41 kgf/cm{sup 2}, the orifice diameter was 0.2 mm and the spray velocity was 0.2 L/min. And, the decontaminated area was 100 cm{sup 2}. From previous test results, we found that the decontamination factor of the PFC spray method was in the range from 9.6 to 62.4. When the decontamination efficiency of Co-60 was high, then the decontamination efficiency of Cs-137 was also high. As the surface roughness of the specimen increased, the PFC spray decontamination efficiency decreased. Inferring from the previous results, the surface of the surrogate wall was cleaned by the PFC spray method. The vacuum cup of the collection module operated well and gathered more than 99 % of the PFC solution. Also, filtration and distillation modules operated well. All the filtered PFC solution flowed to the storage chamber where some of the PFC solution was distilled. The coolant of the distillation module was a dry ice. And, the recycled solution was transferred to the spray module by a high pressure pump. To evaluate the PFC spray decontamination efficiency, a smear device was fabricated and operated by a manipulator. Before and after decontamination, a smear test was performed. The tested area was 100 cm{sup 2} and the radioactivity was estimated indirectly by measuring the radioactivity of the filter paper. The average decontamination factor was in the range between 10 and 15. One application time was 2 minutes. The sprayed PFC solution was collected by the vacuum cup and it was stored in the collection equipment. After the termination of the decontamination test, the flexible hose was cut near a toboggan. The collection equipment that contained the spent PFC solution, vacuum cup, spray nozzle and the flexible hose was stored in a radioactive waste storage tank. A feasibility study for the PFC spray decontamination method for an application to a hot cell surface was performed. The decontamination equipment that consisted of four modules operated well in the hot cell. The collection module gathered the sprayed PFC solution. The solution was purified in the filtration or distillation modules. The main characteristic of the distillation module is the use of dry ice as a coolant. The decontamination factor of IMEF hot cell was in the range from 10 to 15. It was difficult to measure the radioactivity accurately at a given time. We, however, concluded that the PFC spray decontamination method is a promising technology. It generated a small amount of secondary waste and used a non-toxic and non-conducting material. Decontamination work was performed with a little loss of the main decontamination agent. Based on the test results, we are developing an improved PFC spray decontamination process.« less

Fabrication of CIS Absorber Layers with Different Thicknesses Using A Non-Vacuum Spray Coating Method

PubMed Central

Diao, Chien-Chen; Kuo, Hsin-Hui; Tzou, Wen-Cheng; Chen, Yen-Lin; Yang, Cheng-Fu

2014-01-01

In this study, a new thin-film deposition process, spray coating method (SPM), was investigated to deposit the high-densified CuInSe2 absorber layers. The spray coating method developed in this study was a non-vacuum process, based on dispersed nano-scale CuInSe2 precursor and could offer a simple, inexpensive, and alternative formation technology for CuInSe2 absorber layers. After spraying on Mo/glass substrates, the CuInSe2 thin films were annealed at 550 °C by changing the annealing time from 5 min to 30 min in a selenization furnace, using N2 as atmosphere. When the CuInSe2 thin films were annealed, without extra Se or H2Se gas used as the compensation source during the annealing process. The aim of this project was to investigate the influence of annealing time on the densification and crystallization of the CuInSe2 absorber layers to optimize the quality for cost effective solar cell production. The thickness of the CuInSe2 absorber layers could be controlled as the volume of used dispersed CuInSe2-isopropyl alcohol solution was controlled. In this work, X-ray diffraction patterns, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Hall parameter measurements were performed in order to verify the quality of the CuInSe2 absorber layers obtained by the Spray Coating Method. PMID:28788451

Preparation of Morpheus Vehicle for Vacuum Environment Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sandoval, Armando

2016-01-01

The main objective for this summer 2016 tour was to prepare the Morpheus vehicle for its upcoming test inside Plum Brook's vacuum chamber at NASA John H. Glenn Research Center. My contributions towards this project were mostly analytical in nature, providing numerical models to validate test data, generating computer aided analyses for the structure support of the vehicle's engine, and designing a vacuum can that is to protect the high speed camera used during testing. Furthermore, I was also tasked with designing a tank toroidal spray bar system.

Improvements in Microstructure and Wear Resistance of Plasma-Sprayed Fe-Based Amorphous Coating by Laser-Remelting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Chaoping; Chen, Hong; Wang, Gui; Chen, Yongnan; Xing, Yazhe; Zhang, Chunhua; Dargusch, Matthew

2017-04-01

Amorphous coating technology is an attractive way of taking advantage of the superior properties of amorphous alloys for structural applications. However, the limited bonds between splats within the plasma-sprayed coatings result in a typically lamellar and porous coating structure. To overcome these limitations, the as-sprayed coating was treated by a laser-remelting process. The microstructure and phase composition of two coatings were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. The wear resistance of the plasma-sprayed coating and laser-remelted coating was studied comparatively using a pin-on-disc wear test under dry friction conditions. It was revealed that the laser-remelted coating exhibited better wear resistance because of its defect-free and amorphous-nanocrystalline composited structure.

High current multicharged metal ion source using high power gyrotron heating of vacuum arc plasma.

PubMed

Vodopyanov, A V; Golubev, S V; Khizhnyak, V I; Mansfeld, D A; Nikolaev, A G; Oks, E M; Savkin, K P; Vizir, A V; Yushkov, G Yu

2008-02-01

A high current, multi charged, metal ion source using electron heating of vacuum arc plasma by high power gyrotron radiation has been developed. The plasma is confined in a simple mirror trap with peak magnetic field in the plug up to 2.5 T, mirror ratio of 3-5, and length variable from 15 to 20 cm. Plasma formed by a cathodic vacuum arc is injected into the trap either (i) axially using a compact vacuum arc plasma gun located on axis outside the mirror trap region or (ii) radially using four plasma guns surrounding the trap at midplane. Microwave heating of the mirror-confined, vacuum arc plasma is accomplished by gyrotron microwave radiation of frequency 75 GHz, power up to 200 kW, and pulse duration up to 150 micros, leading to additional stripping of metal ions by electron impact. Pulsed beams of platinum ions with charge state up to 10+, a mean charge state over 6+, and total (all charge states) beam current of a few hundred milliamperes have been formed.

Microstructures of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite-coated Ti-6Al-4V dental implants.

PubMed

Tufekci, E; Brantley, W A; Mitchell, J C; McGlumphy, E A

1997-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the microstructure of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings and the elemental composition near the coating-substrate interface for two commercial implants, using the scanning electron microscope. Both coating surfaces and cross-sectioned specimens were examined. The results indicated that while the surface microstructures of both implants were consistent with the plasma-spraying process, the scale of the constituents was much finer for one product. In cross-section, both coatings exhibited minimal porosity and intimate contact with the titanium alloy substrate. It was found that limited interdiffusion of titanium and calcium occurred near the interface.

Deposition of Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Ferrite (LSCF) Using Suspension Plasma Spraying for Oxygen Transport Membrane Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, E. S. C.; Kesler, O.

2015-08-01

Suspension plasma spray deposition was utilized to fabricate dense lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite oxygen separation membranes (OSMs) on porous metal substrates for mechanical support. The as-sprayed membranes had negligible and/or reversible material decomposition. At the longer stand-off distance (80 mm), smooth and dense membranes could be manufactured using a plasma with power below approximately 81 kW. Moreover, a membrane of 55 μm was observed to have very low gas leakage rates desirable for OSM applications. This thickness could potentially be decreased further to improve oxygen diffusion by using metal substrates with finer surface pores.

Effect of plasma spraying modes on material properties of internal combustion engine cylinder liners

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timokhova, O. M.; Burmistrova, O. N.; Sirina, E. A.; Timokhov, R. S.

2018-03-01

The paper analyses different methods of remanufacturing worn-out machine parts in order to get the best performance characteristics. One of the most promising of them is a plasma spraying method. The mathematical models presented in the paper are intended to anticipate the results of plasma spraying, its effect on the properties of the material of internal combustion engine cylinder liners under repair. The experimental data and research results have been computer processed with Statistica 10.0 software package. The pare correlation coefficient values (R) and F-statistic criterion are given to confirm the statistical properties and adequacy of obtained regression equations.

Advanced Main Combustion Chamber structural jacket strength analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnston, L. M.; Perkins, L. A.; Denniston, C. L.; Price, J. M.

1993-04-01

The structural analysis of the Advanced Main Combustion Chamber (AMCC) is presented. The AMCC is an advanced fabrication concept of the Space Shuttle Main Engine main combustion chamber (MCC). Reduced cost and fabrication time of up to 75 percent were the goals of the AMCC with cast jacket with vacuum plasma sprayed or platelet liner. Since the cast material for the AMCC is much weaker than the wrought material for the MCC, the AMCC is heavier and strength margins much lower in some areas. Proven hand solutions were used to size the manifolds cutout tee areas for combined pressure and applied loads. Detailed finite element strength analyses were used to size the manifolds, longitudinal ribs, and jacket for combined pressure and applied local loads. The design of the gimbal actuator strut attachment lugs were determined by finite element analyses and hand solutions.

Improved Small-Particle Powders for Plasma Spraying

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, QuynhGiao, N.; Miller, Robert A.; Leissler, George W.

2005-01-01

Improved small-particle powders and powder-processing conditions have been developed for use in plasma spray deposition of thermal-barrier and environmental barrier coatings. Heretofore, plasma-sprayed coatings have typically ranged in thickness from 125 to 1,800 micrometers. As explained below, the improved powders make it possible to ensure complete coverage of substrates at unprecedently small thicknesses of the order of 25 micrometers. Plasma spraying involves feeding a powder into a hot, high-velocity plasma jet. The individual powder particles melt in the plasma jet as they are propelled towards a substrate, upon which they splat to build up a coating. In some cases, multiple coating layers are required. The size range of the powder particles necessarily dictates the minimum thickness of a coating layer needed to obtain uniform or complete coverage. Heretofore, powder particle sizes have typically ranged from 40 to 70 micrometers; as a result, the minimum thickness of a coating layer for complete coverage has been about 75 micrometers. In some applications, thinner coatings or thinner coating layers are desirable. In principle, one can reduce the minimum complete-coverage thickness of a layer by using smaller powder particles. However, until now, when powder particle sizes have been reduced, the powders have exhibited a tendency to cake, clogging powder feeder mechanisms and feed lines. Hence, the main problem is one of synthesizing smaller-particle powders having desirable flow properties. The problem is solved by use of a process that begins with a spray-drying subprocess to produce spherical powder particles having diameters of less than 30 micrometers. (Spherical-particle powders have the best flow properties.) The powder is then passed several times through a commercial sifter with a mesh to separate particles having diameters less than 15 micrometers. The resulting fine, flowable powder is passed through a commercial fluidized bed powder feeder into a plasma spray jet.

Recent progress of tungsten R&D for fusion application in Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueda, Y.; Lee, H. T.; Ohno, N.; Kajita, S.; Kimura, A.; Kasada, R.; Nagasaka, T.; Hatano, Y.; Hasegawa, A.; Kurishita, H.; Oya, Y.

2011-12-01

The status of ongoing research projects of tungsten R&D in Japan is summarized in this paper. For tungsten material development, a new improved fabrication technique, the so-called superplasticity-based microstructural modification, is described. This technique successfully improved fracture strength and ductility at room temperature. Recent results on vacuum plasma spray W coating and W brazing on ferritic steels and vanadium alloys are explained. Feasibility of these techniques for the manufacture of the blanket is successfully demonstrated. The latest findings on the effect of neutron damage in tungsten on T retention and on the change in mechanical and electrical properties are described. Retention characteristics for neutron-damaged W were different compared to those for ion-damaged W. Upon neutron irradiation, tungsten alloys containing transmutation elements of W (Re and Os) show changes in properties that are different compared with those shown by pure W. The effects of mixed plasma exposure (D/He/C) are described. Both D/He and D/C mixed ion irradiations significantly affect ion-driven permeation in W. He bubble dynamics play a key role in nano-structure formation on the W surface.

Manufacturing of composite titanium-titanium nitride coatings by reactive very low pressure plasma spraying (R-VLPPS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vautherin, B.; Planche, M.-P.; Quet, A.; Bianchi, L.; Montavon, G.

2014-11-01

Very Low Pressure Plasma Spraying (VLPPS) is an emerging spray process nowadays intensively studied by many research centers in the World. To date, studies are mostly focused on the manufacturing of ceramic or metallic coatings. None refers to composite coatings manufacturing by reactive plasma spraying under very low pressure (i.e., ~150 Pa). This paper aims at presenting the carried-out developments and some results concerning the manufacturing of composite coatings by reactive spraying. Titanium was selected as metallic material in order to deposit titanium-nitride titanium coatings (Ti-TiN). Nitrogen was used as plasma gas and was injected along an Ar-H2-N2 plasma jet via a secondary injector in order to reach the nitrogen content on the substrate surface. Thus, different kind of reactive mechanisms were highlighted. Resulting coatings were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations. Porous microstructures are clearly identified and the deposits exhibit condensed vapours and molten particles. Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GDOES) analysis evidenced nitrogen inside the deposits and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of titanium nitride phases, such as TiN and Ti2N, depending upon the location of the nitrogen injection. Microhardness values as high as 800 VHN were measured on manufactured samples (to be compared to 220 VHN for pure titanium VLPPS-manufactured coatings).

Pulsed arc plasma jet synchronized with drop-on-demand dispenser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mavier, F.; Lemesre, L.; Rat, V.; Bienia, M.; Lejeune, M.; Coudert, J.-F.

2017-04-01

This work concerns with the liquid injection in arc plasma spraying for the development of finely structured ceramics coatings. Nanostructured coatings can be now achieved with nanopowders dispersed in a liquid (SPS: Suspension Plasma Spraying) or with a salt dissolved into a liquid (SPPS: Solution Precursor Plasma Spraying) injected into the plasma jet. Controlling electric arc instabilities confined in non-transferred arc plasma torch is therefore a key issue to get reproducible coating properties. Adjustment of parameters with a mono-cathode arc plasma allows a new resonance mode called “Mosquito”. A pulsed arc plasma producing a periodic regular voltage signal with modulation of enthalpy is obtained. The basic idea is to synchronize the injection system with the arc to introduce the liquid material in each plasma oscillation in the same conditions, in order to control the plasma treatment of the material in-fly. A custom-developed pulsed arc plasma torch is used with a drop-on-demand dispenser triggered by the arc voltage. A delay is added to adjust the droplets emission time and their penetration into the plasma gusts. Indeed, the treatment of droplets is also shown to be dependent on this injection delay. A TiO2 suspension and an aqueous solution of aluminium nitrate were optimized to get ejectable inks forming individual droplets. The feasibility of the process was demonstrated for SPS and SPPS techniques. Coatings from the suspension and the solution were achieved. First synchronized sprayings show a good penetration of the droplets into the plasma. Coatings show a fine structure of cauliflowers shapes. The synchronization of the ejection allows a control of morphology and a better deposition efficiency. Further investigations will find the optimal operating parameters to show the full potential of this original liquid injection technique.

Plasma sprayed Fe(76)Nd(16)B(8) permanent magnets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Overfelt, R. A.; Anderson, C. D.; Flanagan, W. F.

1986-01-01

Thin coatings (0.16 mm) and thick coatings (0.50 mm) of Fe(76)Nd(16)B(8) were deposited on stainless-steel substrates by low pressure plasma spraying. Microscopic examination of the coatings in a light microscope revealed excessive porosity, but good bonding to the substrate. Fracture cross sections examined in a scanning electron microscope showed the grains to be equiaxed and approximately 1 micron or less in diameter in the as-sprayed condition. The intrinsic coercivities of the as-sprayed coatings varied from 5.8 to 10.9 kOe. The effects of postspray heat treatments on the intrinsic coercivity are also given.

Plasma Sprayed Hydroxyapatite Coatings: Influence of Spraying Power on Microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohd, S. M.; Abd, M. Z.; Abd, A. N.

2010-03-01

The plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings are used on metallic implants to enhance the bonding between the implant and bone in human body. The coating process was implemented at different spraying power for each spraying condition. The coatings formed from a rapid solidification of molten and partly molten particles that impact on the surface of substrate at high velocity and high temperature. The study was concentrated on different spraying power that is between 23 to 31 kW. The effect of different power on the coatings microstructure was investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and phase composition was evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The coatings surface morphology showed distribution of molten, partially melted particles and some micro-cracks. The produced coatings were found to be porous as observed from the cross-sectional morphology. The coatings XRD results indicated the presence of crystalline phase of HA and each of the patterns was similar to the initial powder. Regardless of different spraying power, all the coatings were having similar XRD patterns.

Effect of Spray Distance on Microstructure and Tribological Performance of Suspension Plasma-Sprayed Hydroxyapatite-Titania Composite Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chao; Xu, Haifeng; Geng, Xin; Wang, Jingjing; Xiao, Jinkun; Zhu, Peizhi

2016-10-01

Hydroxyapatite (HA)-titania (TiO2) composite coatings prepared on Ti6Al4V alloy surface can combine the excellent mechanical property of the alloy substrate and the good biocompatibility of the coating material. In this paper, HA-TiO2 composite coatings were deposited on Ti6Al4V substrates using suspension plasma spray (SPS). X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier infrared absorption spectrometry and friction tests were used to analyze the microstructure and tribological properties of the obtained coatings. The results showed that the spray distance had an important influence on coating microstructure and tribological performance. The amount of decomposition phases decreased as the spray distance increased. The increase in spray distance from 80 to 110 mm improved the crystalline HA content and decreased the wear performance of the SPS coatings. In addition, the spray distance had a big effect on the coating morphology due to different substrate temperature resulting from different spray distance. Furthermore, a significant presence of OH- and CO3 2- was observed, which was favorable for the biomedical applications.

Field induced disintegration of glycerol solutions under vacuum and atmospheric pressure conditions studied by optical microscopy and mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lüttgens, U.; Dülcks, Th.; Röllgen, F. W.

1992-04-01

The ion formation in both electrohydrodynamic (EH) and electrospray (ES) mass spectrometry (MS) is based on the electrohydrodynamic disintegration of sample solutions which are passed through a capillary biased at high potential. Vacuum is applied in EH and atmospheric pressure in ES MS. For glycerol applied as solvent in EH MS optical studies of its disintegration behavior revealed a change from axial spray modes to a rim emission mode in vacuum and a change from axial spray modes to a droplet ejection mode at atmospheric pressure conditions with increasing potential. EH MS investigations of the ion emission from only one or a few emission sites at the rim of the capillary showed a pulsed ion emission whose frequency increased with applied potential. The pulsed ion emission is attributed to an imbalance between the supply and loss of liquid at an emission site. By lowering the surface tension of glycerol with dodecyl sulfate sodium salt an increase of mass spectral ion intensity by more than one order of magnitude could be observed.

Method and Process Development of Advanced Atmospheric Plasma Spraying for Thermal Barrier Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mihm, Sebastian; Duda, Thomas; Gruner, Heiko; Thomas, Georg; Dzur, Birger

2012-06-01

Over the last few years, global economic growth has triggered a dramatic increase in the demand for resources, resulting in steady rise in prices for energy and raw materials. In the gas turbine manufacturing sector, process optimizations of cost-intensive production steps involve a heightened potential of savings and form the basis for securing future competitive advantages in the market. In this context, the atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) process for thermal barrier coatings (TBC) has been optimized. A constraint for the optimization of the APS coating process is the use of the existing coating equipment. Furthermore, the current coating quality and characteristics must not change so as to avoid new qualification and testing. Using experience in APS and empirically gained data, the process optimization plan included the variation of e.g. the plasma gas composition and flow-rate, the electrical power, the arrangement and angle of the powder injectors in relation to the plasma jet, the grain size distribution of the spray powder and the plasma torch movement procedures such as spray distance, offset and iteration. In particular, plasma properties (enthalpy, velocity and temperature), powder injection conditions (injection point, injection speed, grain size and distribution) and the coating lamination (coating pattern and spraying distance) are examined. The optimized process and resulting coating were compared to the current situation using several diagnostic methods. The improved process significantly reduces costs and achieves the requirement of comparable coating quality. Furthermore, a contribution was made towards better comprehension of the APS of ceramics and the definition of a better method for future process developments.

Fabrication of ceramic substrate-reinforced and free forms by mandrel plasma spraying metal-ceramic composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quentmeyer, R. J.; Mcdonald, G.; Hendricks, R. C.

1985-01-01

Components fabricated of, or coated with, ceramics have lower parasitic cooling requirements. Techniques are discussed for fabricating thin-shell ceramic components and ceramic coatings for applications in rocket or jet engine environments. Thin ceramic shells with complex geometric forms involving convolutions and reentrant surfaces were fabricated by mandrel removal. Mandrel removal was combined with electroplating or plasma spraying and isostatic pressing to form a metal support for the ceramic. Rocket engine thrust chambers coated with 0.08 mm (3 mil) of ZrO2-8Y2O3 had no failures and a tenfold increase in engine life. Some measured mechanical properties of the plasma-sprayed ceramic are presented.

Bioactive calcium silicate ceramics and coatings.

PubMed

Liu, Xuanyong; Morra, Marco; Carpi, Angelo; Li, Baoe

2008-10-01

CaO-SiO2 based ceramics have been regarded as potential candidates for artificial bone due to their excellent bone bioactivity and biocompatibility. However, they cannot be used as implants under a heavy load because of their poor mechanical properties, in particular low fracture toughness. Plasma spraying CaO-SiO2 based ceramic coatings onto titanium alloys can expand their application to the hard tissue replacement under a heavy load. Plasma sprayed wollastonite, dicalcium silicate and diopside coatings have excellent bone bioactivity and high bonding strength to titanium alloys. It is possible that these plasma sprayed CaO-SiO2 based ceramic coatings will be applied in clinic after they are widely and systematically researched.

Comparison of Physical-chemical and Mechanical Properties of Chlorapatite and Hydroxyapatite Plasma Sprayed Coatings

PubMed Central

Demnati, Imane; Grossin, David; Marsan, Olivier; Bertrand, Ghislaine; Collonges, Gérard; Combes, Christèle; Parco, Maria; Braceras, Inigo; Alexis, Joel; Balcaen, Yannick; Rey, Christian

2015-01-01

Chlorapatite can be considered a potential biomaterial for orthopaedic applications. Its use as plasma-sprayed coating could be of interest considering its thermal properties and particularly its ability to melt without decomposition unlike hydroxyapatite. Chlorapatite (ClA) was synthesized by a high-temperature ion exchange reaction starting from commercial stoichiometric hydroxyapatites (HA). The ClA powder showed similar characteristics as the original industrial HA powder, and was obtained in the monoclinic form. The HA and ClA powders were plasma-sprayed using a low-energy plasma spraying system with identical processing parameters. The coatings were characterized by physical-chemical methods, i.e. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, including distribution mapping of the main phases detected such as amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), oxyapatite (OA), and HA or ClA. The unexpected formation of oxyapatite in ClA coatings was assigned to a side reaction with contaminating oxygenated species (O2, H2O). ClA coatings exhibited characteristics different from HA, showing a lower content of oxyapatite and amorphous phase. Although their adhesion strength was found to be lower than that of HA coatings, their application could be an interesting alternative, offering, in particular, a larger range of spraying conditions without formation of massive impurities. PMID:25893015

Characterization and durability testing of plasma-sprayed zirconia-yttria and hafnia-yttria thermal barrier coatings. Part 2: Effect of spray parameters on the performance of several hafnia-yttria and zirconia-yttria coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Robert A.; Leissler, George W.

1993-01-01

This is the second of two reports which discuss initial experiments on thermal barrier coatings prepared and tested in newly upgraded plasma spray and burner rig test facilities at LeRC. The first report, part 1, describes experiments designed to establish the spray parameters for the baseline zirconia-yttria coating. Coating quality was judged primarily by the response to burner rig exposure, together with a variety of other characterization approaches including thermal diffusivity measurements. That portion of the study showed that the performance of the baseline NASA coating was not strongly sensitive to processing parameters. In this second part of the study, new hafnia-yttria coatings were evaluated with respect to both baseline and alternate zirconia-yttria coatings. The hafnia-yttria and the alternate zirconia-yttria coatings were very sensitive to plasma-spray parameters in that high-quality coatings were obtained only when specific parameters were used. The reasons for this important observation are not understood.

Synthesis mechanism and preparation of LaMgAl11O19 powder for plasma spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Mingtao; Meng, Huimin; Wang, Yuchao; Ren, Pengwei

2018-06-01

Lanthanide magnesium hexaaluminate (LaMgAl11O19) powders were successfully synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. The objective of this study was to investigate the synthesis mechanism of LaMgAl11O19 and prepare LaMgAl11O19 powders suitable for plasma spraying. The results show that LaAlO3 reacts with MgAl2O4 and Al2O3 to form LaMgAl11O19 at approximately 1300 °C. Single-phase LaMgAl11O19 powders were prepared successfully by solid-state reaction at a synthesis temperature of 1600 °C for 6 h. Unlike the particles in the synthesized powders, those of the centrifugally spray-dried powders have a spherical shape with uniform granularity and good flowability, density, and particle size distribution, making them suitable for plasma spraying. The synthesized powders and centrifugally spray-dried powders remained as a single phase after heat treatment at 1300 °C for 100 h, indicating that LaMgAl11O19 has excellent high-temperature stability.

Plasma tests of sprayed coatings for rocket thrust chambers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curren, A. N.; Love, W. K.

1974-01-01

Several plasma-sprayed coating systems were evaluated for structural stability in hydrogen plasma and in oxygen plasma mixed with hydrogen plasma. The principal test heat flux was 15 Btu per inch squared seconds. The system consisted of a number of thin 0.002 to 0.020 in. layers of metal oxides and/or metals. The principal materials included are molybdenum nichrome, alumina, and zirconia. The study identifies important factors in coating system fabrication and describes the durability of the coating systems in the test environments. Values of effective thermal conductivity for some of the systems are indicated.

Evolution of the plasma-sprayed microstructure in 7 wt% yttria-stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coatings during uniaxial stress relaxation and the concomitant changes in material properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petorak, Christopher

The understanding of failure mechanisms in plasma sprayed 7 wt% yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is a key step toward optimizing thermal barrier coating (TBC) usage, design, and life prediction. The purpose of the present work is to characterize and understand the stress relaxation behavior occurring in plasma-sprayed YSZ coatings, so that the correlating magnitude of unfavorable tensile stress, which coatings experienced upon cooling, may be reduced through microstructural design. The microstructure and properties of as-sprayed coatings changes immensely during service at high temperature, and therefore the effects of long heat-treatment times, and the concomitant change within the microstructure, on the time-dependent mechanical behavior of stand-alone YSZ coatings was studied in parallel with the as-sprayed coating condition. Aside from influencing the mechanical properties, stress relaxation also affects the insulating efficiency of plasma-sprayed 7wt% YSZ coatings. Directionally dependent changes in microstructure due to stress relaxation of a uniaxially applied stress at 1200°C were observed in plasma-sprayed coatings. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) investigation of coatings after stress relaxation displayed a 46% reduction in the specific surface area connected to the load-orientation dependent closure of void surface area perpendicular to the applied load when compared to coatings sintered in air, i.e. no applied load. These anisotropic microstructural changes were linked to the thermal properties of the coating. For example, a coating stress relaxed from 60 MPa for 5-min at 1200°C exhibited a thermal conductivity of 2.1 W/m-K. A coating that was only heat-treated for 5-min at 1200°C (i.e. no stress applied) exhibited a thermal conductivity of 1.7 W/m·K. In the current study, uniaxial stress relaxation in plasma-sprayed 7wt% YSZ coatings was determined the result of: (1) A more uniform distribution of the applied load with time, (2) A reduction in the SSA associated with void systems due to sintering, specifically the closing and healing of intralamellar cracks perpendicular to the applied stress, and (3) A compaction and closure of void systems under the applied load. These anisotropic changes in microstructure result in distinguishable changes in thermo-mechanical properties, with very minute changes to the overall bulk density.

Integration of process diagnostics and three dimensional simulations in thermal spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wei

Thermal spraying is a group of processes in which the metallic or ceramic materials are deposited in a molten or semi-molten state on a prepared substrate. In atmospheric plasma spray process, a thermal plasma jet is used to heat up and accelerate loading particles. The process is inherently complex due to the deviation from equilibrium conditions, three dimensional nature, multitude of interrelated variables involved, and stochastic variability at different stages. This dissertation is aimed at understanding the in-flight particle state and plasma plume characteristics in atmospheric plasma spray process through the integration of process diagnostics and three-dimensional simulation. Effects of injection angle and carrier gas flow rate on in-flight particle characteristics are studied experimentally and interpreted through numerical simulation. Plasma jet perturbation by particle injection angle, carrier gas, and particle loading are also identified. Maximum particle average temperature and velocity at any given spray distance is systematically quantified. Optimum plasma plume position for particle injection which was observed in experiments was verified numerically along with description of physical mechanisms. Correlation of spray distance with in-flight particle behavior for various kinds of materials is revealed. A new strategy for visualization and representation of particle diagnostic results for thermal spray processes has been presented. Specifically, 1 st order process maps (process-particle interactions) have been addressed by converting the Temperature-Velocity of particles obtained via diagnostics into non-dimensional group parameters [Melting Index-Reynolds number]. This approach provides an improved description of the thermal and kinetic energy of particles and allows for cross-comparison of diagnostic data within a given process for different materials, comparison of a single material across different thermal spray processes, and detailed assessment of the melting behavior through recourse to analysis of the distributions. An additional group parameter, Oxidation Index, has been applied to relatively track the oxidation extent of metallic particles under different operating conditions. The new mapping strategies have also been proposed in circumstances where only ensemble particle diagnostics are available. Through the integration of process diagnostics and numerical simulation, key issues concerning in-flight particle status as well as the controlling physical mechanisms have been analyzed. A scientific and intellectual strategy for universal description of particle characteristics has been successfully developed.

Oxidation Behavior of Titanium Carbonitride Coating Deposited by Atmospheric Plasma Spray Synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Lin; He, Jining; Yan, Dianran; Liao, Hanlin; Zhang, Nannan

2017-10-01

As a high-hardness and anti-frictional material, titanium carbonitride (TiCN) thick coatings or thin films are increasingly being used in many industrial fields. In the present study, TiCN coatings were obtained by atmospheric plasma spray synthesis or reactive plasma spray. In order to promote the reaction between the Ti particles and reactive gases, a home-made gas tunnel was mounted on a conventional plasma gun to perform the spray process. The oxidation behavior of the TiCN coatings under different temperatures in static air was carefully investigated. As a result, when the temperature was over 700 °C, the coatings suffered from serious oxidation, and finally they were entirely oxidized to the TiO2 phase at 1100 °C. The principal oxidation mechanism was clarified, indicating that the oxygen can permeate into the defects and react with TiCN at high temperatures. In addition, concerning the use of a TiCN coating in high-temperature conditions, the microhardness of the oxidized coatings at different treatment temperatures was also evaluated.

Tailored plasma sprayed MCrAlY coatings for aircraft gas turbine applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pennisi, F. J.; Gupta, D. K.

1981-01-01

Eighteen plasma sprayed coating systems, nine based on the NiCoCrAly chemistry and nine based on the CoCrAly composition, were evaluated to identify coating systems which provide equivalent or superior life to that shown by the electron beam physical vapor deposited NiCoCrAly and CoCrAly coatings respectively. NiCoCrAly type coatings were examined on a single crystal alloy and the CoCrAly based coatings were optimized on the B1900+ Hf alloy. Cyclic burner rig oxidation and hot corrosion and tensile ductility tests used to evaluate the various coating candidates. For the single crystal alloy, a low pressure chamber plasma sprayed NiCoCrAly + Si coating exhibited a 2x oxidation life improvement at 1394 K (2050 F) over the vapor deposited NiCoCrAly material while showing equivalent tensile ductility. A silicon modified low pressure chamber plasma sprayed CoCrAly coating was found to be more durable than the baseline vapor deposited CoCrAly coating on the B1900+ Hf alloy.

RETRACTED: Chemical densification of plasma sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings for high temperature wear and corrosion resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Yaping; Fehr, Karl Thomas; Faulstich, Martin; Wolf, Gerhard

2012-12-01

Plasma-sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramic coatings have been widely used as wear- and corrosion-resistant coatings in high temperature applications and an aggressive environment due to their high hardness, wear resistance, heat and chemical resistance, and low thermal conductivity. The highly porous structure of plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings and their poor adhesion to the substrate usually lead to the coating degradation and failure. In this study, a two-layer system consisting of atmospheric plasma-sprayed 8 wt.% yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) and Ni-based alloy coatings was post-treated by means of a novel chemical sealing process at moderate temperatures of 600-800 °C. Microstructure characteristics of the YSZ coatings were studied using an electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA). Results revealed that the ceramic top coat was densified by the precipitated zirconia in the open pores. Therefore, the sealed YSZ coatings exhibit reduced porosity, higher hardness and a better adhesion onto the bond coat. The mechanisms for the sealing process were also proposed.

Advanced Environmental Barrier Coating Development for SiC-SiC Ceramic Matrix Composite Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Dongming; Harder, Bryan; Hurst, Janet B.; Halbig, Michael Charles; Puleo, Bernadette J.; Costa, Gustavo; Mccue, Terry R.

2017-01-01

This presentation reviews the NASA advanced environmental barrier coating (EBC) system development for SiC-SiC Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) combustors particularly under the NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation, Fundamental Aeronautics and Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Programs. The emphases have been placed on the current design challenges of the 2700-3000F capable environmental barrier coatings for low NOX emission combustors for next generation turbine engines by using advanced plasma spray based processes, and the coating processing and integration with SiC-SiC CMCs and component systems. The developments also have included candidate coating composition system designs, degradation mechanisms, performance evaluation and down-selects; the processing optimizations using TriplexPro Air Plasma Spray Low Pressure Plasma Spray (LPPS), Plasma Spray Physical Vapor Deposition and demonstration of EBC-CMC systems. This presentation also highlights the EBC-CMC system temperature capability and durability improvements under the NASA development programs, as demonstrated in the simulated engine high heat flux, combustion environments, in conjunction with high heat flux, mechanical creep and fatigue loading testing conditions.

Ideal plasma response to vacuum magnetic fields with resonant magnetic perturbations in non-axisymmetric tokamaks

DOE PAGES

Kim, Kimin; Ahn, J. -W.; Scotti, F.; ...

2015-09-03

Ideal plasma shielding and amplification of resonant magnetic perturbations in non-axisymmetric tokamak is presented by field line tracing simulation with full ideal plasma response, compared to measurements of divertor lobe structures. Magnetic field line tracing simulations in NSTX with toroidal non-axisymmetry indicate the ideal plasma response can significantly shield/amplify and phase shift the vacuum resonant magnetic perturbations. Ideal plasma shielding for n = 3 mode is found to prevent magnetic islands from opening as consistently shown in the field line connection length profile and magnetic footprints on the divertor target. It is also found that the ideal plasma shielding modifiesmore » the degree of stochasticity but does not change the overall helical lobe structures of the vacuum field for n = 3. Furthermore, amplification of vacuum fields by the ideal plasma response is predicted for low toroidal mode n = 1, better reproducing measurements of strong striation of the field lines on the divertor plate in NSTX.« less

Monitoring Delamination of Plasma-Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings by Reflectance-Enhanced Luminescence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eldridge, Jeffrey I.; Bencic, Timothy J.

2006-01-01

Highly scattering plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) present a challenge for optical diagnostic methods to monitor TBC delamination because scattering attenuates light transmitted through the TBC and usually degrades contrast between attached and delaminated regions of the TBC. This paper presents a new approach where reflectance-enhanced luminescence from a luminescent sublayer incorporated along the bottom of the TBC is used to identify regions of TBC delamination. Because of the higher survival rate of luminescence reflecting off the back surface of a delaminated TBC, the strong scattering exhibited by plasma-sprayed TBCs actually accentuates contrast between attached and delaminated regions by making it more likely that multiple reflections of luminescence off the back surface occur before exiting the top surface of the TBC. A freestanding coating containing sections designed to model an attached or delaminated TBC was prepared by depositing a luminescent Eu-doped or Er-doped yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) luminescent layer below a plasma-sprayed undoped YSZ layer and utilizing a NiCr backing layer to represent an attached substrate. For specimens with a Eu-doped YSZ luminescent sublayer, luminescence intensity maps showed excellent contrast between unbacked and NiCr-backed sections even at a plasma-sprayed overlayer thickness of 300 m. Discernable contrast between unbacked and NiCr-backed sections was not observed for specimens with a Er-doped YSZ luminescent sublayer because luminescence from Er impurities in the undoped YSZ layer overwhelmed luminescence originating form the Er-doped YSZ sublayer.

Protective coatings on stainless steel bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gago, A. S.; Ansar, S. A.; Saruhan, B.; Schulz, U.; Lettenmeier, P.; Cañas, N. A.; Gazdzicki, P.; Morawietz, T.; Hiesgen, R.; Arnold, J.; Friedrich, K. A.

2016-03-01

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis is a promising technology for large H2 production from surplus electricity from renewable sources. However, the electrolyser stack is costly due to the manufacture of bipolar plates (BPP). Stainless steel can be used as an alternative, but it must be coated. Herein, dense titanium coatings are produced on stainless steel substrates by vacuum plasma spraying (VPS). Further surface modification of the Ti coating with Pt (8 wt% Pt/Ti) deposited by physical vapour deposition (PVD) magnetron sputtering reduces the interfacial contact resistance (ICR). The Ti and Pt/Ti coatings are characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS). Subsequently, the coatings are evaluated in simulated and real PEM electrolyser environments, and they managed to fully protect the stainless steel substrate. In contrast, the absence of the thermally sprayed Ti layer between Pt and stainless steel leads to pitting corrosion. The Pt/Ti coating is tested in a PEM electrolyser cell for almost 200 h, exhibiting an average degradation rate of 26.5 μV h-1. The results reported here demonstrate the possibility of using stainless steel as a base material for the stack of a PEM electrolyser.

Comprehensive process maps for synthesizing high density aluminum oxide-carbon nanotube coatings by plasma spraying for improved mechanical and wear properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keshri, Anup Kumar

Plasma sprayed aluminum oxide ceramic coating is widely used due to its outstanding wear, corrosion, and thermal shock resistance. But porosity is the integral feature in the plasma sprayed coating which exponentially degrades its properties. In this study, process maps were developed to obtain Al2O3-CNT composite coatings with the highest density (i.e. lowest porosity) and improved mechanical and wear properties. Process map is defined as a set of relationships that correlates large number of plasma processing parameters to the coating properties. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were added as reinforcement to Al2O 3 coating to improve the fracture toughness and wear resistance. Two novel powder processing approaches viz spray drying and chemical vapor growth were adopted to disperse CNTs in Al2O3 powder. The degree of CNT dispersion via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was superior to spray drying but CVD could not synthesize powder in large amount. Hence optimization of plasma processing parameters and process map development was limited to spray dried Al2O3 powder containing 0, 4 and 8 wt. % CNTs. An empirical model using Pareto diagram was developed to link plasma processing parameters with the porosity of coating. Splat morphology as a function of plasma processing parameter was also studied to understand its effect on mechanical properties. Addition of a mere 1.5 wt. % CNTs via CVD technique showed ˜27% and ˜24% increase in the elastic modulus and fracture toughness respectively. Improved toughness was attributed to combined effect of lower porosity and uniform dispersion of CNTs which promoted the toughening by CNT bridging, crack deflection and strong CNT/Al2O3 interface. Al2O 3-8 wt. % CNT coating synthesized using spray dried powder showed 73% improvement in the fracture toughness when porosity reduced from 4.7% to 3.0%. Wear resistance of all coatings at room and elevated temperatures (573 K, 873 K) showed improvement with CNT addition and decreased porosity. Such behavior was due to improved mechanical properties, protective film formation due to tribochemical reaction, and CNT bridging between the splats. Finally, process maps correlating porosity content, CNT content, mechanical properties, and wear properties were developed.

Low-Temperature Preparation of Tungsten Oxide Anode Buffer Layer via Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis Method for Large-Area Organic Solar Cells.

PubMed

Ji, Ran; Zheng, Ding; Zhou, Chang; Cheng, Jiang; Yu, Junsheng; Li, Lu

2017-07-18

Tungsten oxide (WO₃) is prepared by a low-temperature ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method in air atmosphere, and it is used as an anode buffer layer (ABL) for organic solar cells (OSCs). The properties of the WO₃ transition metal oxide material as well as the mechanism of ultrasonic spray pyrolysis processes are investigated. The results show that the ultrasonic spray pyrolysized WO₃ ABL exhibits low roughness, matched energy level, and high conductivity, which results in high charge transport efficiency and suppressive recombination in OSCs. As a result, compared to the OSCs based on vacuum thermal evaporated WO₃, a higher power conversion efficiency of 3.63% is reached with low-temperature ultrasonic spray pyrolysized WO₃ ABL. Furthermore, the mostly spray-coated OSCs with large area was fabricated, which has a power conversion efficiency of ~1%. This work significantly enhances our understanding of the preparation and application of low temperature-processed WO₃, and highlights the potential of large area, all spray coated OSCs for sustainable commercial fabrication.

Low-Temperature Preparation of Tungsten Oxide Anode Buffer Layer via Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis Method for Large-Area Organic Solar Cells

PubMed Central

Ji, Ran; Zheng, Ding; Zhou, Chang; Cheng, Jiang; Yu, Junsheng; Li, Lu

2017-01-01

Tungsten oxide (WO3) is prepared by a low-temperature ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method in air atmosphere, and it is used as an anode buffer layer (ABL) for organic solar cells (OSCs). The properties of the WO3 transition metal oxide material as well as the mechanism of ultrasonic spray pyrolysis processes are investigated. The results show that the ultrasonic spray pyrolysized WO3 ABL exhibits low roughness, matched energy level, and high conductivity, which results in high charge transport efficiency and suppressive recombination in OSCs. As a result, compared to the OSCs based on vacuum thermal evaporated WO3, a higher power conversion efficiency of 3.63% is reached with low-temperature ultrasonic spray pyrolysized WO3 ABL. Furthermore, the mostly spray-coated OSCs with large area was fabricated, which has a power conversion efficiency of ~1%. This work significantly enhances our understanding of the preparation and application of low temperature-processed WO3, and highlights the potential of large area, all spray coated OSCs for sustainable commercial fabrication. PMID:28773177

Removing Biofilms from Microstructured Titanium Ex Vivo: A Novel Approach Using Atmospheric Plasma Technology

PubMed Central

Rupf, Stefan; Idlibi, Ahmad Nour; Marrawi, Fuad Al; Hannig, Matthias; Schubert, Andreas; von Mueller, Lutz; Spitzer, Wolfgang; Holtmann, Henrik; Lehmann, Antje; Rueppell, Andre; Schindler, Axel

2011-01-01

The removal of biofilms from microstructured titanium used for dental implants is a still unresolved challenge. This experimental study investigated disinfection and removal of in situ formed biofilms from microstructured titanium using cold atmospheric plasma in combination with air/water spray. Titanium discs (roughness (Ra): 1.96 µm) were exposed to human oral cavities for 24 and 72 hours (n = 149 each) to produce biofilms. Biofilm thickness was determined using confocal laser scanning microscopy (n = 5 each). Plasma treatment of biofilms was carried out ex vivo using a microwave-driven pulsed plasma source working at temperatures from 39 to 43°C. Following plasma treatment, one group was air/water spray treated before re-treatment by second plasma pulses. Vital microorganisms on the titanium surfaces were identified by contact culture (Rodac agar plates). Biofilm presence and bacterial viability were quantified by fluorescence microscopy. Morphology of titanium surfaces and attached biofilms was visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Total protein amounts of biofilms were colorimetrically quantified. Untreated and air/water treated biofilms served as controls. Cold plasma treatment of native biofilms with a mean thickness of 19 µm (24 h) to 91 µm (72 h) covering the microstructure of the titanium surface caused inactivation of biofilm bacteria and significant reduction of protein amounts. Total removal of biofilms, however, required additional application of air/water spray, and a second series of plasma treatment. Importantly, the microstructure of the titanium discs was not altered by plasma treatment. The combination of atmospheric plasma and non-abrasive air/water spray is applicable for complete elimination of oral biofilms from microstructured titanium used for dental implants and may enable new routes for the therapy of periimplant disease. PMID:22016784

Method of fabricating thin-walled articles of tungsten-nickel-iron alloy

DOEpatents

Hovis, Jr., Victor M.; Northcutt, Jr., Walter G.

1982-01-01

The present invention relates to a method for fabricating thin-walled high-density structures oftungsten-nickel-iron alloys. A powdered blend of the selected alloy constituents is plasma sprayed onto a mandrel having the desired article configuration. The sprayed deposit is removed from the mandrel and subjected to liquid phase sintering to provide the alloyed structure. The formation of the thin-walled structure by plasma spraying significantly reduces shrinkage, and cracking while increasing physical properties of the structure over that obtainable by employing previously known powder metallurgical procedures.

Method of fabricating thin-walled articles of tungsten-nickel-iron alloy

DOEpatents

Hovis, V.M. Jr.; Northcutt, W.G. Jr.

The present invention relates to a method for fabricating thin-walled high-density structures of tungsten-nickel-iron alloys. A powdered blend of the selected alloy constituents is plasma sprayed onto a mandrel having the desired article configuration. The sprayed deposit is removed from the mandrel and subjected to liquid phase sintering to provide the alloyed structure. The formation of the thin-walled structure by plasma spraying significantly reduces shrinkage, and cracking while increasing physical properties of the structure over that obtainable by employing previously known powder metallurgical procedures.

Preparation of YBa2Cu3O7 High Tc Superconducting Coatings by Plasma Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danroc, J.; Lacombe, J.

The following sections are included: * INTRODUCTION * THE COMPOUND YBa2Cu3O7-δ * Structure * Critical temperature * Critical current density * Phase equilibria in the YBaCuO system * PREPARATION OF YBa2Cu3O7 COATINGS * General organisation of the preparation process * The powder * Hot plasma spraying of YBa2Cu3O7 * The post-spraying thermal treatment * CHARACTERISTICS OF THE YBa2Cu3O7-δ COATINGS * Chemical composition * Crystalline structure * Morphology of the coatings * Electrical and magnetic characteristics * Conclusion * REFERENCES

Argon Shrouded Plasma Spraying of Tantalum over Titanium for Corrosion Protection in Fluorinated Nitric Acid Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vetrivendan, E.; Jayaraj, J.; Ningshen, S.; Mallika, C.; Kamachi Mudali, U.

2018-02-01

Argon shrouded plasma spraying (ASPS) was used to deposit a Ta coating on commercially pure Ti (CP-Ti) under inert argon, for dissolver vessel application in the aqueous spent fuels reprocessing plant with high plutonium content. Oxidation during plasma spraying was minimized by shrouding argon system. Porosity and oxide content were controlled by optimizing the spraying parameters, to obtain a uniform and dense Ta coating. The Ta particle temperature and velocity were optimized by judiciously controlling the spray parameters, using a spray diagnostic charge-coupled device camera. The corrosion resistance of the Ta coatings developed by ASPS was investigated by electrochemical studies in 11.5 M HNO3 and 11.5 M HNO3 + 0.05 M NaF. Similarly, the durability of the ASPS Ta coating/substrate was evaluated as per ASTM A262 Practice-C test in boiling nitric acid and fluorinated nitric acid for 240 h. The ASPS Ta coating exhibited higher corrosion resistance than the CP-Ti substrate, as evident from electrochemical studies, and low corrosion rate with excellent coating stability in boiling nitric, and fluorinated nitric acid. The results of the present study revealed that tantalum coating by ASPS is a promising strategy for improving the corrosion resistance in the highly corrosive reprocessing environment.

Relation Between the Arc-Root Fluctuations, the Cold Boundary Layer Thickness and the Particle Thermal Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noguès, E.; Fauchais, P.; Vardelle, M.; Granger, P.

2007-12-01

In plasma spraying, the arc-root fluctuations, modifying the length and characteristics of the plasma jet, have an important influence on particle thermal treatment. These voltage fluctuations are strongly linked to the thickness of the cold boundary layer (CBL), surrounding the arc column. This thickness depends on the plasma spray parameters (composition and plasma forming gas mass flow rate, arc current, etc.) and the plasma torch design (anode-nozzle internal diameter and shape, etc.). In order to determine the influence of these different spray parameters on the CBL properties and voltage fluctuations, experiments were performed with two different plasma torches from Sulzer Metco. The first one is a PTF4 torch with a cylindrical anode-nozzle, working with Ar-H2 plasma gas mixtures and the second one is a 3MB torch with either a conical or a cylindrical anode-nozzle, working with N2-H2 plasma gas mixtures. Moreover, arc voltage fluctuations influence on particle thermal treatment was studied through the measurements of transient temperature and velocity of particles, issued from an yttria partially stabilized zirconia powder with a size distribution between 5 and 25 μm.

A phase I study to assess the single and multiple dose pharmacokinetics of THC/CBD oromucosal spray.

PubMed

Stott, C G; White, L; Wright, S; Wilbraham, D; Guy, G W

2013-05-01

A Phase I study to assess the single and multipledose pharmacokinetics (PKs) and safety and tolerability of oromucosally administered Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) spray, an endocannabinoid system modulator, in healthy male subjects. Subjects received either single doses of THC/CBD spray as multiple sprays [2 (5.4 mg THC and 5.0 mg CBD), 4 (10.8 mg THC and 10.0 mg CBD) or 8 (21.6 mg THC and 20.0 mg CBD) daily sprays] or multiple doses of THC/CBD spray (2, 4 or 8 sprays once daily) for nine consecutive days, following fasting for a minimum of 10 h overnight prior to each dosing. Plasma samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for CBD, THC, and its primary metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC, and various PK parameters were investigated. Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD were rapidly absorbed following single-dose administration. With increasing single and multiple doses of THC/CBD spray, the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) increased for all analytes. There was evidence of dose-proportionality in the single but not the multiple dosing data sets. The bioavailability of THC was greater than CBD at single and multiple doses, and there was no evidence of accumulation for any analyte with multiple dosing. Inter-subject variability ranged from moderate to high for all PK parameters in this study. The time to peak plasma concentration (Tmax) was longest for all analytes in the eight spray group, but was similar in the two and four spray groups. THC/CBD spray was well-tolerated in this study and no serious adverse events were reported. The mean Cmax values (<12 ng/mL) recorded in this study were well below those reported in patients who smoked/inhaled cannabis, which is reassuring since elevated Cmax values are linked to significant psychoactivity. There was also no evidence of accumulation on repeated dosing.

Synthesis of Nano-Crystalline Gamma-TiAl Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hales, Stephen J.; Vasquez, Peter

2003-01-01

One of the principal problems with nano-crystalline materials is producing them in quantities and sizes large enough for valid mechanical property evaluation. The purpose of this study was to explore an innovative method for producing nano-crystalline gamma-TiAl bulk materials using high energy ball milling and brief secondary processes. Nano-crystalline powder feedstock was produced using a Fritsch P4(TM) vario-planetary ball mill recently installed at NASA-LaRC. The high energy ball milling process employed tungsten carbide tooling (vials and balls) and no process control agents to minimize contamination. In a collaborative effort, two approaches were investigated, namely mechanical alloying of elemental powders and attrition milling of pre-alloyed powders. The objective was to subsequently use RF plasma spray deposition and short cycle vacuum hot pressing in order to effect consolidation while retaining nano-crystalline structure in bulk material. Results and discussion of the work performed to date are presented.

Carbon-free induction furnace

DOEpatents

Holcombe, Cressie E.; Masters, David R.; Pfeiler, William A.

1985-01-01

An induction furnace for melting and casting highly pure metals and alloys such as uranium and uranium alloys in such a manner as to minimize contamination of the melt by carbon derived from the materials and the environment within the furnace. The subject furnace is constructed of carbon free materials and is housed within a conventional vacuum chamber. The furnace comprises a ceramic oxide crucible for holding the charge of metal or alloy. The heating of the crucible is achieved by a plasma-sprayed tungsten susceptor surrounding the crucible which, in turn, is heated by an RF induction coil separated from the susceptor by a cylinder of inorganic insulation. The furnace of the present invention is capable of being rapidly cycled from ambient temperatures to about 1650.degree. C. for effectively melting uranium and uranium alloys without the attendant carbon contamination problems previously encountered when using carbon-bearing furnace materials.

Non-carbon induction furnace

DOEpatents

Holcombe, C.E.; Masters, D.R.; Pfeiler, W.A.

1984-01-06

The present invention is directed to an induction furnace for melting and casting highly pure metals and alloys such as uranium and uranium alloys in such a manner as to minimize contamination of the melt by carbon derived from the materials and the environment within the furnace. The subject furnace is constructed of non-carbon materials and is housed within a conventional vacuum chamber. The furnace comprises a ceramic oxide crucible for holding the charge of metal or alloys. The heating of the crucible is achieved by a plasma-sprayed tungsten susceptor surrounding the crucible which, in turn, is heated by an rf induction coil separated from the susceptor by a cylinder of inorganic insulation. The furnace of the present invention is capable of being rapidly cycled from ambient temperatures to about 1650/sup 0/C for effectively melting uranium and uranium alloys without the attendant carbon contamination problems previously encountered when using carbon-bearing furnace materials.

Effects of Humidity On the Flow Characteristics of PS304 Plasma Spray Feedstock Powder Blend

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stanford, Malcolm K.; DellaCorte, Christopher

2002-01-01

The effects of environmental humidity on the flow characteristics of PS304 feedstock have been investigated. Angular and spherical BaF2-CaF2 powder was fabricated by comminution and by atomization, respectively. The fluorides were added incrementally to the nichrome, chromia, and silver powders to produce PS304 feedstock. The powders were dried in a vacuum oven and cooled to a Tom temperature under dry nitrogen. The flow of the powder was studied from 2 to 100 percent relative humidity (RH) The results suggest that the feedstock flow is slightly degraded with increasing humidity below 66 percent RH and is more affected above 66 percent RH. There was no flow above 88 percent RH. Narrower particle size distributions of the angular fluorides allowed flow up to 95 percent RH. These results offer guidance that enhances the commercial potential for this material system.

Effects of plasma spray parameters on two layer thermal barrier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stecura, S.

1981-01-01

The power level and the type of arc gas used during plasma spraying of a two layer thermal barrier system (TBS) were found to affect the life of the system. Life at 1095 C in a cyclic furnace test was improved by about 140 percent by increasing the power during plasma spray applications of the bond and thermal barrier coatings. This improvement is due to increases in the densities of the bond and thermal barrier coatings by 3 and 5 percent, respectively. These increases in densities are equivalent to about 45 and 30 percent reduction in mean porosities, respectively. The addition of hydrogen to the argon arc gas had the same effect as the reduction in power level and caused a reduction in TBS life.

Direct determination of trace phthalate esters in alcoholic spirits by spray-inlet microwave plasma torch ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Miao, Meng; Zhao, Gaosheng; Xu, Li; Dong, Junguo; Cheng, Ping

2018-03-01

A direct analytical method based on spray-inlet microwave plasma torch tandem mass spectrometry was applied to simultaneously determine 4 phthalate esters (PAEs), namely, benzyl butyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dipentyl phthalate, and dodecyl phthalate with extremely high sensitivity in spirits without sample treatment. Among the 4 brands of spirit products, 3 kinds of PAE compounds were directly determined at very low concentrations from 1.30 to 114 ng·g -1 . Compared with other online and off-line methods, the spray-inlet microwave plasma torch tandem mass spectrometry technique is extremely simple, rapid, sensitive, and high efficient, providing an ideal screening tool for PAEs in spirits. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Fabrication of Nanosized Lanthanum Zirconate Powder and Deposition of Thermal Barrier Coating by Plasma Spray Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, S. K.; Jagdeesh, N.; Pathak, L. C.

2016-07-01

The present manuscript discusses our findings on fabrication of nanosized lanthanum zirconate powder for thermal barrier coating application and its coating by plasma spray on nickel-based superalloy substrate. Single-phase La2Zr2O7 coating of thickness of the order of 45 µm on the Ni-Cr-Al bond coat coated Ni-based superalloy substrate was deposited by plasma spray process. The layers at the interface did not show spallation and inter diffusion was very less. The microstructure, interface, porosity, and mechanical properties of different layers are investigated. The lanthanum zirconate hardness and modulus were 10.5 and 277 GPa, respectively. The load depth curve for lanthanum zirconate showed good elastic recovery around 74%.

Highly Segmented Thermal Barrier Coatings Deposited by Suspension Plasma Spray: Effects of Spray Process on Microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiaolong; Honda, Hiroshi; Kuroda, Seiji; Araki, Hiroshi; Murakami, Hideyuki; Watanabe, Makoto; Sakka, Yoshio

2016-12-01

Effects of the ceramic powder size used for suspension as well as several processing parameters in suspension plasma spraying of YSZ were investigated experimentally, aiming to fabricate highly segmented microstructures for thermal barrier coating (TBC) applications. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to observe the atomization process and the velocity distribution of atomized droplets and ceramic particles travelling toward the substrates. The tested parameters included the secondary plasma gas (He versus H2), suspension injection flow rate, and substrate surface roughness. Results indicated that a plasma jet with a relatively higher content of He or H2 as the secondary plasma gas was critical to produce highly segmented YSZ TBCs with a crack density up to 12 cracks/mm. The optimized suspension flow rate played an important role to realize coatings with a reduced porosity level and improved adhesion. An increased powder size and higher operation power level were beneficial for the formation of highly segmented coatings onto substrates with a wider range of surface roughness.

Experimental and Numerical Study of the Effect of Gas-Shrouded Plasma Spraying on Cathode Coating of Alkaline Electrolysis Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, T.; Reißner, R.; Schiller, G.; Ansar, A.

2018-01-01

The aim of this work is to improve the performance of electrodes prepared via atmospheric plasma spray by means of gas shrouding which is expected to apparently reduce the oxygen content of the plasma plume and subsequently improve the coating quality. Electrodes with dual-layer coating for alkaline water electrolysis were deposited on Ni-coated perforated substrates. Microstructure and morphology were studied by SEM. Element content was measured by EDS. Enthalpy probe was employed for measuring plasma temperature and velocity as well as the gas composition. For verifying and better understanding the shrouding effect numerical calculation was carried out according to the experimental settings. Electrochemical test was carried out to validate the shrouding effect. The results showed slight protecting effect of gas shrouding on plasma plume and the final coating. Over the dual-layer section, the measured oxygen fraction was 3.46 and 3.15% for the case without gas shrouding and with gas shrouding, respectively. With gas shrouding the coating exhibited similar element contents as the coating sprayed by VPS, while no obvious improvement was observed in the microstructure or the morphology. Evident electrochemical improvement was nevertheless achieved that with gas shrouding the electrode exhibited similar performance as that of the VPS-sprayed electrode.

Controlling Microstructure of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Prepared from Suspensions and Solutions by Plasma Spraying with High Feed Rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musalek, Radek; Medricky, Jan; Tesar, Tomas; Kotlan, Jiri; Pala, Zdenek; Lukac, Frantisek; Illkova, Ksenia; Hlina, Michal; Chraska, Tomas; Sokolowski, Pawel; Curry, Nicholas

2017-12-01

Introduction of suspension and solution plasma spraying led to a breakthrough in the deposition of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings and enabled preparation of new types of layers. However, their deposition with high feed rates needed, for example, for the deposition of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) on large-scale components, is still challenging. In this study, possibility of high-throughput plasma spraying of YSZ coatings is demonstrated for the latest generation of high-enthalpy hybrid water-stabilized plasma (WSP-H) torch technology. The results show that microstructure of the coatings prepared by WSP-H may be tailored for specific applications by the choice of deposition conditions, in particular formulation of the liquid feedstock. Porous and columnar coatings with low thermal conductivity (0.5-0.6 W/mK) were prepared from commercial ethanol-based suspension. Dense vertically cracked coatings with higher thermal conductivity but also higher internal cohesion were deposited from suspension containing ethanol/water mixture and coarser YSZ particles. Spraying of solution formulated from diluted zirconium acetate and yttrium nitrate hexahydrate led also to the successful deposition of YSZ coating combining regions of porous and denser microstructure and providing both low thermal conductivity and improved cohesion of the coating. Enthalpy content, liquid-plasma interaction and coating buildup mechanisms are also discussed.

Air plasma spray processing and electrochemical characterization of Cu-SDC coatings for use in solid oxide fuel cell anodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benoved, Nir; Kesler, O.

Air plasma spraying has been used to produce porous composite anodes based on Ce 0.8Sm 0.2O 1.9 (SDC) and Cu for use in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Preliminarily, a range of plasma conditions has been examined for the production of composite coatings from pre-mixed SDC and CuO powders. Plasma gas compositions were varied to obtain a range of plasma temperatures. After reduction in H 2, coatings were characterized for composition and microstructure using EDX and SEM. As a result of these tests, symmetrical sintered electrolyte-supported anode-anode cells were fabricated by air plasma spraying of the anodes, followed by in situ reduction of the CuO to Cu. Full cells deposited on SS430 porous substrates were then produced in one integrated process. Fine CuO and SDC powders have been used to produce homogeneously mixed anode coatings with higher surface area microstructures, resulting in area-specific polarization resistances of 4.8 Ω cm 2 in impedance tests in hydrogen at 712 °C.

Suspensions Plasma Spraying of Ceramics with Hybrid Water-Stabilized Plasma Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musalek, Radek; Medricky, Jan; Tesar, Tomas; Kotlan, Jiri; Pala, Zdenek; Lukac, Frantisek; Chraska, Tomas; Curry, Nicholas

2017-01-01

Technology of water-stabilized plasma torch was recently substantially updated through introduction of a so-called hybrid concept that combines benefits of water stabilization and gas stabilization principles. The high-enthalpy plasma provided by the WSP-H ("hybrid") torch may be used for thermal spraying of powders as well as liquid feedstocks with high feed rates. In this study, results from three selected experiments with suspension plasma spraying with WSP-H technology are presented. Possibility of deposition of coatings with controlled microstructures was demonstrated for three different ceramics (YSZ—yttria-stabilized zirconia, YAG—yttrium aluminum garnet and Al2O3) introduced into ethanol-based suspensions. Shadowgraphy was used for optimization of suspension injection and visualization of the liquid fragmentation in the plasma jet. Coatings were deposited onto substrates attached to the rotating carousel with integrated temperature monitoring and air cooling, which provided an excellent reproducibility of the deposition process. Deposition of columnar-like YSZ and dense YAG and Al2O3 coatings was successfully achieved. Deposition efficiency reached more than 50%, as evaluated according to EN ISO 17 836 standard.

Well-posedness of the plasma-vacuum interface problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Secchi, Paolo; Trakhinin, Yuri

2014-01-01

We consider the free-boundary problem for the plasma-vacuum interface in ideal compressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). In the plasma region the flow is governed by the usual compressible MHD equations, while in the vacuum region we consider the pre-Maxwell dynamics for the magnetic field. At the free interface, driven by the plasma velocity, the total pressure is continuous and the magnetic field on both sides is tangent to the boundary. The plasma-vacuum system is not isolated from the outside world, because of a given surface current on the fixed boundary that forces oscillations. Under a suitable stability condition satisfied at each point of the initial interface, stating that the magnetic fields on either side of the interface are not collinear, we show the existence and uniqueness of the solution to the nonlinear plasma-vacuum interface problem in suitable anisotropic Sobolev spaces. The proof is based on the results proved in the companion paper (Secchi and Trakhinin 2013 Interfaces Free Boundaries 15 323-57), about the well-posedness of the homogeneous linearized problem and the proof of a basic a priori energy estimate. The proof of the resolution of the nonlinear problem given in the present paper follows from the analysis of the elliptic system for the vacuum magnetic field, a suitable tame estimate in Sobolev spaces for the full linearized equations, and a Nash-Moser iteration.

Vacuum arc plasma thrusters with inductive energy storage driver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schein, Jochen (Inventor); Gerhan, Andrew N. (Inventor); Woo, Robyn L. (Inventor); Au, Michael Y. (Inventor); Krishnan, Mahadevan (Inventor)

2004-01-01

An apparatus for producing a vacuum arc plasma source device using a low mass, compact inductive energy storage circuit powered by a low voltage DC supply acts as a vacuum arc plasma thruster. An inductor is charged through a switch, subsequently the switch is opened and a voltage spike of Ldi/dt is produced initiating plasma across a resistive path separating anode and cathode. The plasma is subsequently maintained by energy stored in the inductor. Plasma is produced from cathode material, which allows for any electrically conductive material to be used. A planar structure, a tubular structure, and a coaxial structure allow for consumption of cathode material feed and thereby long lifetime of the thruster for long durations of time.

Microstructural inhomogeneity in plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings and effect of post-heat treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yu-Peng; Xiao, Gui-Yong; Li, Shi-Tong; Sun, Rui-Xue; Li, Mu-Sen

2006-01-01

The microstructural inhomogeneity in the plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings was characterized by using electron probe microanalyser (EPMA). A simple and artful method was developed to detect the interface characteristics. All the samples for observation were ground and polished along the direction parallel to the coating surfaces. The BSE images directly and clearly showed the inhomogeneity in the as-sprayed coatings with the amorphous regions being bright gray and crystalline regions being dark gray. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) patterns indicated that after immersion in deionized water for 20 days, bone-like apatite and α-Ca 2P 2O 7 precipitated on the polished surfaces of the as-sprayed HA coatings. The post-heat treatment could eliminate the microstructural inhomogeneity in the coatings. Only β-Ca 2P 2O 7 precipitated on the surfaces of the heat-treated HA coatings. The immersed samples were re-polished till tiny substrate was bared to investigate the effect of immersion on interface. It was shown that the immersion decreased the cohesive strength of the as-sprayed coatings. There were more and broader cracks in the splats that came into contact with the substrate and amorphous phase increased toward the coating-substrate interface. Post-heat treatment was proved to reduce the peeling off of coating during re-polishing operation. It was proposed that the distributions of amorphous phase and cracks in as-sprayed coatings are detrimental to coating properties and should be modified through improving the plasma spraying processing.

Mask-less patterning of organic light emitting diodes using electrospray and selective biasing on pixel electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sangyeob; Koo, Hyun; Cho, Sunghwan

2015-04-01

Wet process of soluble organic light emitting diode (OLED) materials has attracted much attention due to its potential as a large-area manufacturing process with high productivity. Electrospray (ES) deposition is one of candidates of organic thin film formation process for OLED. However, to fabricate red, green, and blue emitters for color display, a fine metal mask is required during spraying emitter materials. We demonstrate a mask-less color pixel patterning process using ES of soluble OLED materials and selective biasing on pixel electrodes and a spray nozzle. We show red and green line patterns of OLED materials. It was found that selective patterning can be allowed by coulomb repulsion between nozzle and pixel. Furthermore, we fabricated blue fluorescent OLED devices by vacuum evaporation and ES processes. The device performance of ES processed OLED showed nearly identical current-voltage characteristics and slightly lower current efficiency compared to vacuum processed OLED.

Effect of drying parameters on physiochemical and sensory properties of fruit powders processed by PGSS-, Vacuum- and Spray-drying.

PubMed

Feguš, Urban; Žigon, Uroš; Petermann, Marcus; Knez, Željko

2015-01-01

Aim of this experimental work was to investigate the possibility of producing fruit powders without employing drying aid and to investigate the effect of drying temperatures on the final powder characteristics. Raw fruit materials (banana puree, strawberry puree and blueberry concentrate) were processed using three different drying techniques each operating at a different temperature conditions: vacuum-drying (-27-17 °C), Spray-drying (130-160 °C) and PGSS-drying (112-152 °C). Moisture content, total colour difference, antioxidant activity and sensory characteristics of the processed fruit powders were analysed. The results obtained from the experimental work indicate that investigated fruit powders without or with minimal addition of maltodextrin can be produced. Additionally, it was observed that an increase in process temperature results in a higher loss of colour, antioxidant activity and intensity of the flavour profile.

Drying-induced physico-chemical changes in cranberry products.

PubMed

Michalska, Anna; Wojdyło, Aneta; Honke, Joanna; Ciska, Ewa; Andlauer, Wilfried

2018-02-01

Sugar-free cranberry juice (XAD) and juice with 15% of maltodextrin were dried by freeze-, vacuum and spray drying methods. Total phenolics (589-6435mg/kg dry matter) including 5 flavonols, 3 phenolic acids, 2 procyanidins and 5 anthocyanins were stronger affected by juice formulation than by drying methods. Spray drying of juice, regardless of its formulation, was competitive to freeze drying in terms of polyphenols' retention. Increase in temperature up to 100°C during vacuum drying of XAD extracts resulted in degradation of polyphenolics (down to 4%), except chlorogenic acid. Its content increased with rise in temperature and accelerated hydroxymethylfurfural formation. The stronger the impact of drying, the more chlorogenic acid is present in cranberry products. In all powders analysed, formation of furoylmethyl amino acids was noted. Antioxidant capacity of cranberry products was influenced by juice formulation and was linked to content of polyphenols. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of gas turbine water-cooled composite nozzle and bucket hardware employing plasma spray process

DOEpatents

Schilke, Peter W.; Muth, Myron C.; Schilling, William F.; Rairden, III, John R.

1983-01-01

In the method for fabrication of water-cooled composite nozzle and bucket hardware for high temperature gas turbines, a high thermal conductivity copper alloy is applied, employing a high velocity/low pressure (HV/LP) plasma arc spraying process, to an assembly comprising a structural framework of copper alloy or a nickel-based super alloy, or combination of the two, and overlying cooling tubes. The copper alloy is plamsa sprayed to a coating thickness sufficient to completely cover the cooling tubes, and to allow for machining back of the copper alloy to create a smooth surface having a thickness of from 0.010 inch (0.254 mm) to 0.150 inch (3.18 mm) or more. The layer of copper applied by the plasma spraying has no continuous porosity, and advantageously may readily be employed to sustain a pressure differential during hot isostatic pressing (HIP) bonding of the overall structure to enhance bonding by solid state diffusion between the component parts of the structure.

Fabrication and characterization of plasma-sprayed HA/SiO(2) coatings for biomedical application.

PubMed

Morks, M F

2008-01-01

Fused silica powder has been mixed with hydroxyapatite (HA) powder and plasma sprayed by using gas tunnel-type plasma jet. The influence of silica content (10 wt% and 20 wt%) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of HA-silica coatings was investigated. For investigating the microstructure and mechanical properties of HA-silica coatings, SUS 304 stainless steel was used as substrate material. The spraying was carried out on roughened substrate in an atmospheric chamber. Scanning electron microscope micrographs of cross-sectioned HA/SiO(2) coatings showed that the sprayed HA coatings with 10 and 20 wt% SiO(2) have dense structure with low porosity compared to the pure HA coatings. On the other hand, as the amount of silica was increased the coatings became denser, harder and exhibited high abrasive wear resistance. The presence of silica significantly improved the adhesive strength of HA/SiO(2) coatings mainly due to the increase in bonding strength of the coating at the interface.

Neutron and X-ray diffraction of plasma-sprayed zirconia-yttria thermal barrier coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shankar, N. R.; Herman, H.; Singhal, S. P.; Berndt, C. C.

1984-01-01

ZrO2-7.8mol. pct. YO1.5, a fused powder, and ZrO2-8.7mol. pct. YO1.5, a prereacted powder, were plasma-sprayed onto steel substrates. Neutron diffraction and X-ray diffraction of the as-received powder, the powder plasma sprayed into water, as-sprayed coatings, and coatings heat-treated for 10 and 100 h were carried out to study phase transformations and ordering of the oxygen ions on the oxygen sublattice. The as-received fused powder has a much lower monoclinic percentage than does the pre-reacted powder, this resulting in a much lower monoclinic percentage in the coating. Heat treatment increases the percentages of the cubic and monoclinic phases, while decreasing the tetragonal content. An ordered tetragonal phase is detected by the presence of extra neutron diffraction peaks. These phase transformations and ordering will result in volume changes. The implications of these transformations on the performance of partially stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coatings is discussed.

Optical Analysis Of The Vacuum Arc Plasma Generated In Cup-Shape Contacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavelescu, G.; Pavelescu, D.; Dumitrescu, G.; Anghelita, P.; Gherendi, F.

2007-04-01

In this paper are presented the results of the optical analysis on the rotating arc plasma, generated in the vacuum low voltage circuit breaker with cup-shaped contacts. An adequate experimental setup was used for single shot time and spatial resolved spectroscopy in order to analyze the evolution of the vacuum arc plasma. Different current interruption situations are correlated with plasma spectral diagnosis. The study is aimed to contribute to a better understanding of the complex phenomena that take place in the interruption process of high currents that appears in the short-circuit regime of electrical networks.

Decreased Staphylococcus aureus and increased osteoblast density on nanostructured electrophoretic-deposited hydroxyapatite on titanium without the use of pharmaceuticals.

PubMed

Mathew, Dennis; Bhardwaj, Garima; Wang, Qi; Sun, Linlin; Ercan, Batur; Geetha, Manisavagam; Webster, Thomas J

2014-01-01

Plasma-spray deposition of hydroxyapatite on titanium (Ti) has proven to be a suboptimal solution to improve orthopedic-implant success rates, as demonstrated by the increasing number of orthopedic revision surgeries due to infection, implant loosening, and a myriad of other reasons. This could be in part due to the high heat involved during plasma-spray deposition, which significantly increases hydroxyapatite crystal growth into the nonbiologically inspired micron regime. There has been a push to create nanotopographies on implant surfaces to mimic the physiological nanostructure of native bone and, thus, improve osteoblast (bone-forming cell) functions and inhibit bacteria functions. Among the several techniques that have been adopted to develop nanocoatings, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is an attractive, versatile, and effective material-processing technique. The in vitro study reported here aimed to determine for the first time bacteria responses to hydroxyapatite coated on Ti via EPD. There were six and three times more osteoblasts on the electrophoretic-deposited hydroxyapatite on Ti compared with Ti (control) and plasma-spray-deposited hydroxyapatite on Ti after 5 days of culture, respectively. Impressively, there were 2.9 and 31.7 times less Staphylococcus aureus on electrophoretic-deposited hydroxyapatite on Ti compared with Ti (control) and plasma-spray-deposited hydroxyapatite on Ti after 18 hours of culture, respectively. Compared with uncoated Ti and plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coated on Ti, the results provided significant promise for the use of EPD to improve bone-cell density and be used as an antibacterial coating without resorting to the use of antibiotics.

Low Earth Orbit Environmental Durability of Recently Developed Thermal Control Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaworske, Donald A.

2015-01-01

The Materials International Space Station Experiment provided a means to expose materials and devices to the low Earth orbit environment on the exterior of the International Space Station. By returning the specimens to Earth after flight, the specimens could be evaluated by comparison with pre-flight measurements. One area of continuing interest is thermal control paints and coatings that are applied to exterior surfaces of spacecraft. Though traditional radiator coatings have been available for decades, recent work has focused on new coatings that offer custom deposition or custom optical properties. The custom deposition of interest is plasma spraying and one type of coating recently developed as part of a Small Business Innovative Research effort was designed to be plasma sprayed onto radiator surfaces. The custom optical properties of interest are opposite to those of a typical radiator coating, having a combination of high solar absorptance and low infrared emittance for solar absorber applications, and achieved in practice via a cermet coating. Selected specimens of the plasma sprayed coatings and the solar absorber coating were flown on Materials International Space Station Experiment 7, and were recently returned to Earth for post-flight analyses. For the plasma sprayed coatings in the ram direction, one specimen increased in solar absorptance and one specimen decreased in solar absorptance, while the plasma sprayed coatings in the wake direction changed very little in solar absorptance. For the cermet coating deployed in both the ram and wake directions, the solar absorptance increased. Interestingly, all coatings showed little change in infrared emittance.

Plasma spraying of zirconia-reinforced hydroxyapatite composite coatings on titanium: part I: phase, microstructure and bonding strength.

PubMed

Chang, E; Chang, W J; Wang, B C; Yang, C Y

1997-04-01

Plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings applied to metal substrates can induce a direct chemical bond with bone and hence achieve biological fixation of the implant. However, the poor bonding strength between HA and substrate has been of concern to orthopaedists. In this study, two submicrometre ZrO2 powders stabilized with both 3 and 8 mol% Y2O3 (TZ3Y and TZ8Y, respectively) were incorporated in a plasma-sprayed HA coating on Ti-6Al-4V substrate to investigate the change in phase, microstructure and bonding strength. The results show that ZrO2 composite coatings contain more unmelted particles and greater porosity. During plasma spraying, ZrO2 reacts with the CaO in HA to form CaZrO3 and accelerates HA decomposition to alpha-TCP and Ca4P2O9. Nevertheless, bonding strength increases with increase of ZrO2 content in the range 0 to 10 wt% studied. The higher Y2O3-containing TZ8Y apparently exerts a greater strengthening effect than the lower Y2O3-containing TZ3Y.

Optimization of High Porosity Thermal Barrier Coatings Generated with a Porosity Former

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medřický, Jan; Curry, Nicholas; Pala, Zdenek; Vilemova, Monika; Chraska, Tomas; Johansson, Jimmy; Markocsan, Nicolaie

2015-04-01

Yttria-stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coatings are extensively used in turbine industry; however, increasing performance requirements have begun to make conventional air plasma sprayed coatings insufficient for future needs. Since the thermal conductivity of bulk material cannot be lowered easily; the design of highly porous coatings may be the most efficient way to achieve coatings with low thermal conductivity. Thus the approach of fabrication of coatings with a high porosity level based on plasma spraying of ceramic particles of dysprosia-stabilized zirconia mixed with polymer particles, has been tested. Both polymer and ceramic particles melt in plasma and after impact onto a substrate they form a coating. When the coating is subjected to heat treatment, polymer burns out and a complex structure of pores and cracks is formed. In order to obtain desired porosity level and microstructural features in coatings; a design of experiments, based on changes in spray distance, powder feeding rate, and plasma-forming atmosphere, was performed. Acquired coatings were evaluated for thermal conductivity and thermo-cyclic fatigue, and their morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy. It was shown that porosity level can be controlled by appropriate changes in spraying parameters.

A comparative physico-chemical study of chlorapatite and hydroxyapatite: from powders to plasma sprayed thin coatings.

PubMed

Demnati, I; Grossin, D; Combes, C; Parco, M; Braceras, I; Rey, C

2012-10-01

Due to their bioactivity and osteoconductivity, hydroxyapatite (HA) plasma sprayed coatings have been widely developed for orthopedic uses. However, the thermodynamic instability of HA leads frequently to a mixture of phases which limit the functional durability of the coating. This study investigates the plasma spraying of chlorapatite (ClA) powder, known to melt without decomposition, onto pure titanium substrates using a low energy plasma spray system (LEPS). Pure ClA powder was prepared by a solid gas reaction at 950 °C and thermogravimetric analysis showed the good thermal stability of ClA powder in the range 30-1400 °C compared to that of the HA powder. Characterization of ClA coating showed that ClA had a very high crystalline ratio and no other crystalline phase was detected in the coating. HA and ClA coatings composition, microstructure and in vitro bioactivity potential were studied, compared and discussed. In vitro SBF test on HA and ClA coatings revealed the formation of a poorly crystalline apatite on the coating surface suggesting that we could expect a good osteoconductivity especially for the ClA coating prepared by the LEPS system.

Thermal barrier coating life-prediction model development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strangman, T. E.; Neumann, J.

1985-01-01

Life predictions are made for two types of strain-tolerant and oxidation-resistant Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) systems produced by commercial coating suppliers to the gas turbine industry. The plasma-sprayed TBC system, composed of a low-pressure plasma spray (LPPS) applied oxidation-resistant NiCrAlY bond coating and an air-plasma-sprayed yttria (8 percent) partially stabilized zirconia insulative layer, is applied by both Chromalloy and Klock. The second type of TBC is applied by the electron-beam/physical vapor deposition process by Temescal. Thermomechanical and thermochemical testing of the program TBCs is in progress. A number of the former tests has been completed. Fracture mechanics data for the Chromalloy plasma-sprayed TBC system indicate that the cohesive toughness of the zirconia layer is increased by thermal cycling and reduced by high temperature exposure at 1150 C. Eddy current technology feasibility has been established with respect to nondestructively measuring zirconia layer thickness of a TBC system. High pressure turbine blades have been coated with program TBC systems for a piggyback test in a TFE731-5 turbofan factory engine test. Data from this test will be used to validate the TBC life models.

Improving Erosion Resistance of Plasma-Sprayed Ceramic Coatings by Elevating the Deposition Temperature Based on the Critical Bonding Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Shu-Wei; Yang, Guan-Jun; Li, Cheng-Xin; Li, Chang-Jiu

2018-01-01

Interlamellar bonding within plasma-sprayed coatings is one of the most important factors dominating the properties and performance of coatings. The interface bonding between lamellae significantly influences the erosion behavior of plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings. In this study, TiO2 and Al2O3 coatings with different microstructures were deposited at different deposition temperatures based on the critical bonding temperature concept. The erosion behavior of ceramic coatings was investigated. It was revealed that the coatings prepared at room temperature exhibit a typical lamellar structure with numerous unbonded interfaces, whereas the coatings deposited at the temperature above the critical bonding temperature present a dense structure with well-bonded interfaces. The erosion rate decreases sharply with the improvement of interlamellar bonding when the deposition temperature increases to the critical bonding temperature. In addition, the erosion mechanisms of ceramic coatings were examined. The unbonded interfaces in the conventional coatings act as pre-cracks accelerating the erosion of coatings. Thus, controlling interlamellar bonding formation based on the critical bonding temperature is an effective approach to improve the erosion resistance of plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings.

Synthesis and Phase Stability of Scandia, Gadolinia, and Ytterbia Co-doped Zirconia for Thermal Barrier Coating Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qi-Lian; Cui, Xiang-Zhong; Li, Shu-Qing; Yang, Wei-Hua; Wang, Chun; Cao, Qian

2015-01-01

Scandia, gadolinia, and ytterbia co-doped zirconia (SGYZ) ceramic powder was synthesized by chemical co-precipitation and calcination processes for application in thermal barrier coatings to promote the durability of gas turbines. The ceramic powder was agglomerated and sintered at 1150 °C for 2 h, and the powder exhibited good flowability and apparent density to be suitable for plasma spraying process. The microstructure, morphology and phase stability of the powder and plasma-sprayed SGYZ coatings were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction. Thermal conductivity of plasma-sprayed SGYZ coatings was measured. The results indicated that the SGYZ ceramic powder and the coating exhibit excellent stability to retain single non-transformable tetragonal zirconia even after high temperature (1400 °C) exposure for 500 h and do not undergo a tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transition upon cooling. Furthermore, the plasma-sprayed SGYZ coating also exhibits lower thermal conductivity than yttria stabilized zirconia coating currently used in gas turbine engine industry. SGYZ can be explored as a candidate material of ultra-high temperature thermal barrier coating for advanced gas turbine engines.

Feedback enhanced plasma spray tool

DOEpatents

Gevelber, Michael Alan; Wroblewski, Donald Edward; Fincke, James Russell; Swank, William David; Haggard, Delon C.; Bewley, Randy Lee

2005-11-22

An improved automatic feedback control scheme enhances plasma spraying of powdered material through reduction of process variability and providing better ability to engineer coating structure. The present inventors discovered that controlling centroid position of the spatial distribution along with other output parameters, such as particle temperature, particle velocity, and molten mass flux rate, vastly increases control over the sprayed coating structure, including vertical and horizontal cracks, voids, and porosity. It also allows improved control over graded layers or compositionally varying layers of material, reduces variations, including variation in coating thickness, and allows increasing deposition rate. Various measurement and system control schemes are provided.

Properties of NiO thin films deposited by chemical spray pyrolysis using different precursor solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cattin, L.; Reguig, B. A.; Khelil, A.; Morsli, M.; Benchouk, K.; Bernède, J. C.

2008-07-01

NiO thin films have been deposited by chemical spray pyrolysis using a perfume atomizer to grow the aerosol. The influence of the precursor, nickel chloride hexahydrate (NiCl 2·6H 2O), nickel nitrate hexahydrate (Ni(NO 3) 2·6H 2O), nickel hydroxide hexahydrate (Ni(OH) 2·6H 2O), nickel sulfate tetrahydrate (NiSO 4·4H 2O), on the thin films properties has been studied. In the experimental conditions used (substrate temperature 350 °C, precursor concentration 0.2-0.3 M, etc.), pure NiO thin films crystallized in the cubic phase can be achieved only with NiCl 2 and Ni(NO 3) 2 precursors. These films have been post-annealed at 425 °C for 3 h either in room atmosphere or under vacuum. If all the films are p-type, it is shown that the NiO films conductivity and optical transmittance depend on annealing process. The properties of the NiO thin films annealed under room atmosphere are not significantly modified, which is attributed to the fact that the temperature and the environment of this annealing is not very different from the experimental conditions during spray deposition. The annealing under vacuum is more efficient. This annealing being proceeded in a vacuum no better than 10 -2 Pa, it is supposed that the modifications of the NiO thin film properties, mainly the conductivity and optical transmission, are related to some interaction between residual oxygen and the films.

An Assessment of the Residual Stresses in Low Pressure Plasma Sprayed Coatings on an Advanced Copper Alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raj, S. V.; Ghosn, L. J.; Agarwal, A.; Lachtrupp, T. P.

2002-01-01

Modeling studies were conducted on low pressure plasma sprayed (LPPS) NiAl top coat applied to an advanced Cu-8(at.%)Cr-4%Nb alloy (GRCop-84) substrate using Ni as a bond coat. A thermal analysis suggested that the NiAl and Ni top and bond coats, respectively, would provide adequate thermal protection to the GRCop-84 substrate in a rocket engine operating under high heat flux conditions. Residual stress measurements were conducted at different depths from the free surface on coated and uncoated GRCop-84 specimens by x-ray diffraction. These data are compared with theoretically estimated values assessed by a finite element analysis simulating the development of these stresses as the coated substrate cools down from the plasma spraying temperature to room temperature.

Development of improved-durability plasma sprayed ceramic coatings for gas turbine engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sumner, I. E.; Ruckle, D. L.

1980-01-01

As part of a NASA program to reduce fuel consumption of current commercial aircraft engines, methods were investigated for improving the durability of plasma sprayed ceramic coatings for use on vane platforms in the JT9D turbofan engine. Increased durability concepts under evaluation include use of improved strain tolerant microstructures and control of the substrate temperature during coating application. Initial burner rig tests conducted at temperatures of 1010 C (1850 F) indicate that improvements in cyclic life greater than 20:1 over previous ceramic coating systems were achieved. Three plasma sprayed coating systems applied to first stage vane platforms in the high pressure turbine were subjected to a 100-cycle JT9D engine endurance test with only minor damage occurring to the coatings.

Development of a plasma sprayed ceramic gas path seal for high pressure turbine applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shiembob, L. T.

1977-01-01

The plasma sprayed graded layered yittria stabilized zirconia (ZrO2)/metal(CoCrAlY) seal system for gas turbine blade tip applications up to 1589 K (2400 F) seal temperatures was studied. Abradability, erosion, and thermal fatigue characteristics of the graded layered system were evaluated by rig tests. Satisfactory abradability and erosion resistance was demonstrated. Encouraging thermal fatigue tolerance was shown. Initial properties for the plasma sprayed materials in the graded, layered seal system was obtained, and thermal stress analyses were performed. Sprayed residual stresses were determined. Thermal stability of the sprayed layer materials was evaluated at estimated maximum operating temperatures in each layer. Anisotropic behavior in the layer thickness direction was demonstrated by all layers. Residual stresses and thermal stability effects were not included in the analyses. Analytical results correlated reasonably well with results of the thermal fatigue tests. Analytical application of the seal system to a typical gas turbine engine application predicted performance similar to rig specimen thermal fatigue performance. A model for predicting crack propagation in the sprayed ZrO2/CoCrAlY seal system was proposed, and recommendations for improving thermal fatigue resistance were made. Seal system layer thicknesses were analytically optimized to minimize thermal stresses in the abradability specimen during thermal fatigue testing. Rig tests on the optimized seal configuration demonstrated some improvement in thermal fatigue characteristics.

Medical equipment bio-capability processes using the atmospheric plasma-sprayed titanium coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezaei, F.; Saviz, S.; Ghoranneviss, M.

2017-12-01

Antibacterial surfaces such as titanium coatings are able to have capability in the human body environment. In this study, titanium coatings are deposited on the 316 stainless steel substrates by a handmade plasma spray system. Some mechanical, chemical properties and microstructure of the created titanium layer are determined to evaluate the quality of coating. The XRD, SEM, adhesion tests from cross cut and corrosion test by potentiodynamic are used. During the different stages, some of the parameters are changed in different samples to achieve the best quality in the coating. It is shown that by increasing the spray time, the production of nanoparticles begins. On the other hand, the best layers are created when the spray main gas flow rate has a certain amount.

Plasma Spray Synthesis Of Nanostructured V2O5 Films For Electrical Energy Storage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nanda, Jagjit

We demonstrate for the first time, the synthesis of nanostructured vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) films and coatings using plasma spray technique. V2O5 has been used in several applications such as catalysts, super-capacitors and also as an electrode material in lithium ion batteries. In the present studies, V2O5 films were synthesized using liquid precursors (vanadium oxychloride and ammonium metavanadate) and powder suspension. In our approach, the precursors were atomized and injected radially into the plasma gun for deposition on the substrates. During the flight towards the substrate, the high temperature of the plasma plume pyrolyzes the precursor particles resulting into the desiredmore » film coatings. These coatings were then characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Among the precursors, vanadium oxychloride gave the best results in terms of nanocrystalline and monophasic films. Spraying of commercial powder suspension yielded multi-phasic mixture in the films. Our approach enables deposition of large area coatings of high quality nanocrystalline films of V2O5 with controllable particle morphology. This has been optimized by means of control over precursor composition and plasma spray conditions. Initial electrochemical studies of V2O5 film electrodes show potential for energy storage studies.« less

Measurement of cholinesterase enzyme activity before and after exposure to organophosphate pesticides in farmers of a suburb region of Mazandaran, a northern province of Iran.

PubMed

Pakravan, N; Shokrzadeh, M; Bari, M A Khalat; Shadboorestan, Amir

2016-03-01

Accidental toxicity by organophosphate (OP) agents may occur among farmers during spraying season due to improper use and handling. Plasma cholinesterase (ChE) activity measurement is recommended to monitor the extent of exposure to the OP agent. The aim of the current study was to measure plasma ChE activity before and after exposure with OP pesticides. This was a prospective study conducted on 36 farmers working in the farm field. The plasma ChE level was measured before spraying and 2 days and 8 weeks after spraying season and exposure to OP agent. Farmers were observed for clinical signs and symptoms of toxicity after exposure. Vertimac was the most common agent used by farmers followed by diazinon and chlorpyrifos. The plasma ChE level significantly decreased after exposure by over 50%. The level returned to preexposure level after 8 weeks. Exposure to OP pesticide is a major concern in the developing countries. More than 50% reduction in the plasma ChE activity after spraying is an alarming message for health-care system and policy makers. Furthermore, workplace evaluation, serial ChE monitoring, and appropriate training and education to exposed individuals would be initial important steps to avoid the toxicity or reduce the severity of poisoning. © The Author(s) 2015.

Consolidation of Surface Coatings by Friction Stir Techniques

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

alloy samples were plasma sprayed with a Titanium-Nickel-Chrome coating or a Titanium coating. Single and multiple pass experiments were performed...based coatings onto the Aluminum alloy surface. Results showed that the most successful results were accomplished using a flat, pinless tool, with...properties. Aluminum alloy samples were plasma sprayed with a Titanium-Nickel-Chrome coating or a Titanium coating. Single and multiple pass experiments

Preliminary results on complex ceramic layers deposition by atmospheric plasma spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Florea, Costel; Bejinariu, Costicǎ; Munteanu, Corneliu; Cimpoeşu, Nicanor

2017-04-01

In this article we obtain thin layers from complex ceramic powders using industrial equipment based on atmospheric plasma spraying. We analyze the influence of the substrate material roughness on the quality of the thin layers using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray dispersive energy analyze (EDAX). Preliminary results present an important dependence between the surface state and the structural and chemical homogeneity.

Fireside Corrosion Behavior of HVOF and Plasma-Sprayed Coatings in Advanced Coal/Biomass Co-Fired Power Plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, T.; Dudziak, T.; Simms, N. J.; Nicholls, J. R.

2013-06-01

This article presents a systematic evaluation of coatings for advanced fossil fuel plants and addresses fireside corrosion in coal/biomass-derived flue gases. A selection of four candidate coatings: alloy 625, NiCr, FeCrAl and NiCrAlY were deposited onto superheaters/reheaters alloy (T91) using high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) and plasma spraying. A series of laboratory-based fireside corrosion exposures were carried out on these coated samples in furnaces under controlled atmosphere for 1000 h at 650 °C. The tests were carried out using the "deposit-recoat" test method to simulate the environment that was anticipated from air-firing 20 wt.% cereal co-product mixed with a UK coal. The exposures were carried out using a deposit containing Na2SO4, K2SO4, and Fe2O3 to produce alkali-iron tri-sulfates, which had been identified as the principal cause of fireside corrosion on superheaters/reheaters in pulverized coal-fired power plants. The exposed samples were examined in an ESEM with EDX analysis to characterize the damage. Pre- and post-exposure dimensional metrologies were used to quantify the metal damage in terms of metal loss distributions. The thermally sprayed coatings suffered significant corrosion attack from a combination of aggressive combustion gases and deposit mixtures. In this study, all the four plasma-sprayed coatings studied performed better than the HVOF-sprayed coatings because of a lower level of porosity. NiCr was found to be the best performing coating material with a median metal loss of ~87 μm (HVOF sprayed) and ~13 μm (plasma sprayed). In general, the median metal damage for coatings had the following ranking (in the descending order: most to the least damage): NiCrAlY > alloy 625 > FeCrAl > NiCr.

Opportunities offered by the interaction of plasma and droplets to elaborate nanostructured oxide materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikravech, Mehrdad; Rahmani, Abdelkader

2016-09-01

The association of plasma and spray will permit to process materials where organometallic precursors are not available or economically non-reliable. The injection of aerosols in low pressure plasma results in the rapid evaporation of solvent and the rapid transformation of small amounts of precursors contained in each droplet leading to form nanoscale oxide particles. We developed two configurations of this technique: one is Spray Plasma that permits to deposit this layers on flat substrates; the second one is Fluidized Spray Plasma that permits to deposit thin layers on the surface of solid beads. The aim of this presentation is to describe the principles of this new technique together with several applications. The influence of experimental parameters to deposit various mixed metal oxides will be demonstrated: thin dense layers of nanostructured ZnO for photovoltaic applications, porous layers of LaxSr1-x MnO3 as the cathode for fuel cells, ZnO-Cu, NiO layers on solid pellets in fluidized bed for catalysis applications. Aknowledgement to Programme interdisciplinaire SPC Énergies de Demain.

Optical spectroscopy of arrays of Ag-Au nanoparticles obtained by vacuum-thermal evaporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gromov, D. G.; Mel'nikov, I. V.; Savitskii, A. I.; Trifonov, A. Yu.; Redichev, E. N.; Astapenko, V. A.

2017-03-01

The possibility of creating irregular arrays of bimetallic Ag-Au nanoparticles is investigated. The ability to manipulate their optical properties based on the simple engineering processes of thermal spraying followed by low-temperature annealing is demonstrated.

Effects of MgO and SiO2 on Plasma-Sprayed Hydroxyapatite Coating: An in Vivo Study in Rat Distal Femoral Defects.

PubMed

Ke, Dongxu; Robertson, Samuel F; Dernell, William S; Bandyopadhyay, Amit; Bose, Susmita

2017-08-09

Plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium implants have been widely used in orthopedic applications due to their inheritance of an excellent mechanical property from titanium and great osteoconductivity from HA. However, the lack of osteoinductivity limits their further applications. In this study, 1 wt % MgO and 0.5 wt % SiO 2 were mixed with HA for making plasma-sprayed coatings on titanium implants. Plasma-sprayed HA- and MgO/SiO 2 -HA-coated titanium implants showed adhesive bond strengths of 25.73 ± 1.92 and 23.44 ± 2.89 MPa, respectively. The presence of MgO and SiO 2 significantly increased the osteogenesis, osseointegration, and bone mineralization of HA-coated titanium implants by the evaluation of their histomorphology after 6, 10, and 14 weeks of implantation in rat distal femoral defects. Implant pushout tests also showed a shear modulus of 149.83 ± 3.69 MPa for MgO/SiO 2 -HA-coated implants after 14 weeks of implantation, compared to 52.68 ± 10.41 MPa for uncoated implants and 83.92 ± 3.68 MPa for pure HA-coated implants; These are differences in the shear modulus of 96% and 56.4%, respectively. This study assesses for the first time the quality of the bone-implant interface of induction plasma-sprayed MgO and SiO 2 binary-doped HA coatings on load-bearing implants compared to bare titanium and pure HA coatings in a quantitative manner. Relating the osseointegration and interface shear modulus to the quality of implant fixation is critical to the advancement and implementation of HA-coated orthopedic implants.

Sprayed shielding of plastic-encapsulated electronic modules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Muller, A. N.

1969-01-01

Metallic coating directly sprayed on electronic modules provides simple and reliable lightweight protection against radio frequency interference. A plasma arc may be used. Aluminum and copper are the most effective metals.

Control of Listeria monocytogenes on vacuum-packaged frankfurters sprayed with lactic acid alone or in combination with sodium lauryl sulfate.

PubMed

Byelashov, Oleksandr A; Kendall, Patricia A; Belk, Keith E; Scanga, John A; Sofos, John N

2008-04-01

U.S. regulations require that processors employ lethal or inhibitory antimicrobial alternatives in production of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that support growth of Listeria monocytogenes and may be exposed to the processing environment after a lethality treatment. In this study, lactic acid (LA; 5%, vol/vol) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS; 0.5%, wt/vol) were evaluated individually or as a mixture (LASLS) for control of L. monocytogenes on frankfurters. Frankfurters were inoculated with a 10-strain mixture of L. monocytogenes, sprayed for 10 s (20 bar, 23 +/- 2 degrees C) with antimicrobials or distilled water (DW) before (LASLS or DW) or after (LA, SLS, LASLS, or DW) inoculation (4.8 +/- 0.1 log CFU/cm2), vacuum packaged, and stored at 4 degrees C for 90 days. Samples were analyzed for numbers of the pathogen (on PALCAM agar) and for total microbial counts (on tryptic soy agar with yeast extract) during storage. Spraying with DW, LA, or SLS after inoculation reduced numbers of L. monocytogenes by 1.3 +/- 0.2, 1.8 +/- 0.5, and 2.0 +/- 0.4 log CFU/cm2, respectively. The LASLS mixture applied before or after inoculation reduced pathogen populations by 1.8 +/- 0.4 and 2.8 +/- 0.2 log CFU/cm2, respectively. No further reduction by any treatment was observed during storage. The bacterial growth curves (fitted by the model of Baranyi and Roberts) indicated that the lag-phase duration of the bacterium on control samples (13.85 to 15.18 days) was extended by spraying with all solutions containing LA. For example, LA suppressed growth of L. monocytogenes for 39.14 to 41.01 days. Pathogen growth rates also were lower on frankfurters sprayed after inoculation with LA or LASLS compared to those sprayed with DW. Therefore, spraying frankfurters with a mixture of LA and SLS may be a useful antilisterial alternative treatment for ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.

Control of dispersed-phase temperature in plasma flows by the spectral-brightness pyrometry method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dolmatov, A. V.; Gulyaev, I. P.; Gulyaev, P. Yu; Iordan, V. I.

2016-02-01

In the present work, we propose a new method for measuring the distribution of temperature in the ensembles of condensed-phase particles in plasma spray flows. Interrelation between the spectral temperature of the particles and the distribution of camera brightness signal is revealed. The established inter-relation enables an in-situ calibration of measuring instruments using the objects under study. The spectral-brightness pyrometry method was approbated on a Plazer plasma-arc wire spraying facility at the Paton Institute of Electrical Welding (Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, Kiev) and on the Thermoplasma 50-1 powder spraying facility at the Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk). The work was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Grants Nos. 14-08-90428 and 15-48-00100).

Influence of laser on the droplet behavior in short-circuiting, globular, and spray modes of hybrid fiber laser-MIG welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Chuang; Feng, Jiecai; Li, Liqun; Chen, Yanbin

2016-09-01

The effects of laser on the droplet behavior in short-circuiting, globular, and spray modes of hybrid fiber laser-MIG welding were studied. Transfer sequence of a droplet, welding current wave and morphology of plasma in the three modes of arc welding and hybrid welding were comparatively investigated. Compared with arc welding, the transfer frequency and landing location of droplet in the three modes of hybrid welding changed. In short-circuiting and globular modes, the droplet transfer was promoted by the laser, while the droplet transfer was hindered by the laser in spray mode. The magnitudes and directions of electromagnetic force and plasma drag force acting on the droplet were the keys to affect the droplet behavior. The magnitudes and directions of electromagnetic force and plasma drag force were converted due to the variation of the current distribution into the droplet, which were caused by the laser induced plasma with low ionization potential.

Evaluation of glass resin coatings for solar cell applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Field, M. B.

1978-01-01

Using a variety of non-vacuum deposition techniques coatings were implemented on silicon solar cells and arrays of cells interconnected on Kapton substrates. The coatings provide both antireflection optical matching and environmental protection. Reflectance minima near 2% was achieved at a single wavelength in the visible. Reflectance averaging below 5% across the useful collection range was demonstrated. The coatings and methods of deposition were: (1) Ta2O5 spun, dipped or sprayed; (2) Ta2O5.SiO2 spun, dipped or sprayed; (3) GR908 (SiO2) spun, dipped, or sprayed. Total coating thickness were in the range of 18 microns to 25 microns. The coatings and processes are compatible with single cells or cells mounted on Kapton substrates.

Robust Low Cost Aerospike/RLV Combustion Chamber by Advanced Vacuum Plasma Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holmes, Richard; Ellis, David; McKechnie

1999-01-01

Next-generation, regeneratively cooled rocket engines will require materials that can withstand high temperatures while retaining high thermal conductivity. At the same time, fabrication techniques must be cost efficient so that engine components can be manufactured within the constraints of a shrinking NASA budget. In recent years, combustion chambers of equivalent size to the Aerospike chamber have been fabricated at NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) using innovative, relatively low-cost, vacuum-plasma-spray (VPS) techniques. Typically, such combustion chambers are made of the copper alloy NARloy-Z. However, current research and development conducted by NASA-Lewis Research Center (LeRC) has identified a Cu-8Cr-4Nb alloy which possesses excellent high-temperature strength, creep resistance, and low cycle fatigue behavior combined with exceptional thermal stability. In fact, researchers at NASA-LeRC have demonstrated that powder metallurgy (P/M) Cu-8Cr-4Nb exhibits better mechanical properties at 1,200 F than NARloy-Z does at 1,000 F. The objective of this program was to develop and demonstrate the technology to fabricate high-performance, robust, inexpensive combustion chambers for advanced propulsion systems (such as Lockheed-Martin's VentureStar and NASA's Reusable Launch Vehicle, RLV) using the low-cost, VPS process to deposit Cu-8Cr-4Nb with mechanical properties that match or exceed those of P/M Cu-8Cr-4Nb. In addition, oxidation resistant and thermal barrier coatings can be incorporated as an integral part of the hot wall of the liner during the VPS process. Tensile properties of Cu-8Cr-4Nb material produced by VPS are reviewed and compared to material produced previously by extrusion. VPS formed combustion chamber liners have also been prepared and will be reported on following scheduled hot firing tests at NASA-Lewis.

Langmuir vacuum and superconductivity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Veklenko, B. A.

It is shown that, in the 'jelly' model of cold electron-ion plasma, the interaction between electrons and the quantum electromagnetic vacuum of Langmuir waves involves plasma superconductivity with an energy gap proportional to the energy of the Langmuir quantum.

FOREWORD: 7th Symposium on Vacuum-based Science and Technology (SVBST2013)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gulbiński, W.

2014-11-01

These are the proceedings of the 7th Symposium on Vacuum based Science and Technology organized in Kołobrzeg (PL) on November 19-21, 2013 by the Institute of Technology and Education, Koszalin University of Technology and the Clausius Tower Society under auspices of the Polish Vacuum Society (PTP) and the German Vacuum Society (DVG) and in collaboration with the BalticNet PlasmaTec and the Society of Vacuum Coaters (SVC). It was accompanied by the 12-th Annual Meeting of the German Vacuum Society. The mission of the Symposium is to provide a forum for presentation and exchange of expertise and research results in the field of vacuum and plasma science. After already six successful meetings organized alternately in Poland and Germany our goal is to continue and foster cooperation within the vacuum and plasma science community. This year, the Rudolf-Jaeckel Prize, awarded by the DVG for outstanding achievements in the field of vacuum based sciences, was presented to Dr Ute Bergner, president of the VACOM Vakuum Komponenten & Messtechnik GmbH and a member of our community. The full-day course organized in the framework of the Educational Program by the Society of Vacuum Coaters (SVC) and entitled: An Introduction to Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Processes was held on November 18, 2013 as a satellite event of the Symposium. The instructor was Prof. Ismat Shah from Delaware University (US). The Clausius Session, already traditionally organized during the Symposium was addressed this year to young generation. We invited our young colleagues to attend a series of educational lectures reporting on achievements in graphene science, scanning probe microscopy and plasma science. Lectures were given by: Prof. Jacek Baranowski from the Institute of Electronic Materials Technology in Warsaw, Prof. Teodor Gotszalk from the Wroclaw University of Technology and Prof. Holger Kersten from the Christian Albrechts University in Kiel. The Symposium was accompanied by an industry exhibition attended by the representatives of leading companies offering vacuum equipment, complete solutions for plasma based technology as well as advanced research equipment. Witold Gulbiński Michael Kopnarski Frank Richter Jan Walkowicz

Laboratory Experiments on Propagating Plasma Bubbles into Vacuum, Vacuum Magnetic Field, and Background Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lynn, Alan G.; Zhang, Yue; Gilmore, Mark; Hsu, Scott

2014-10-01

We discuss the dynamics of plasma ``bubbles'' as they propagate through a variety of background media. These bubbles are formed by a pulsed coaxial gun with an externally applied magnetic field. Bubble parameters are typically ne ~1020 m-3, Te ~ 5 - 10 eV, and Ti ~ 10 - 15 eV. The structure of the bubbles can range from unmagnetized jet-like structures to spheromak-like structures with complex magnetic flux surfaces. Some of the background media the bubbles interact with are vacuum, vacuum with magnetic field, and other magnetized plasmas. These bubbles exhibit different qualitative behavior depending on coaxial gun parameters such as gas species, gun current, and gun bias magnetic field. Their behavior also depends on the parameters of the background they propagate through. Multi-frame fast camera imaging and magnetic probe data are used to characterize the bubble evolution under various conditions.

Preparation of MgO/B₂O₃ coatings by plasma spraying on SUS304 surface and effects of heat-resistant.

PubMed

Song, Bo; Zhou, Ningning; Ju, Dongying

2013-12-01

This study mainly deals with the preparation of MgO/B2O3 coatings by plasma spraying on the SUS304 surface and the effects of heat-resistant. The power materials of low thermal conductivity were selected to control the heat divergent performance of high temperature parts. The reticular micro-structure between the cover thermal layer and the substrate was prepared by using the plasma spraying method. The powder mixture of MgO and B2O3 were selected as spraying materials and the SUS304 was used as the substrate material. The MgO/B2O3 coating was prepared on the surface of the SUS304 to provide better cover thermal performance. The properties of the microstructures and the morphologies were studied by Optical Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope, Electron Probe Microanalyzer, and X-ray Diffraction. The results showed that the cover thermal performance has been improved. Copyright © 2013 The Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Novel Approach in the Use of Plasma Spray: Preparation of Bulk Titanium for Bone Augmentations

PubMed Central

Fousova, Michaela; Vojtech, Dalibor; Jablonska, Eva; Fojt, Jaroslav; Lipov, Jan

2017-01-01

Thermal plasma spray is a common, well-established technology used in various application fields. Nevertheless, in our work, this technology was employed in a completely new way; for the preparation of bulk titanium. The aim was to produce titanium with properties similar to human bone to be used for bone augmentations. Titanium rods sprayed on a thin substrate wire exerted a porosity of about 15%, which yielded a significant decrease of Young′s modulus to the bone range and provided rugged topography for enhanced biological fixation. For the first verification of the suitability of the selected approach, tests of the mechanical properties in terms of compression, bending, and impact were carried out, the surface was characterized, and its compatibility with bone cells was studied. While preserving a high enough compressive strength of 628 MPa, the elastic modulus reached 11.6 GPa, thus preventing a stress-shielding effect, a generally known problem of implantable metals. U-2 OS and Saos-2 cells derived from bone osteosarcoma grown on the plasma-sprayed surface showed good viability. PMID:28837101

Tribological Behavior of Plasma-Sprayed Al2O3-20 wt.%TiO2 Coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Shiyu; Miao, Qiang; Liang, Wenping; Zhang, Zhigang; Xu, Yi; Ren, Beilei

2017-05-01

Al2O3-20 wt.% TiO2 ceramic coatings were deposited on the surface of Grade D steel by plasma spraying of commercially available powders. The phases and the microstructures of the coatings were investigated by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The Al2O3-20 wt.% TiO2 composite coating exhibited a typical inter-lamellar structure consisting of the γ-Al2O3 and the Al2TiO5 phases. The dry sliding wear behavior of the coating was examined at 20 °C using a ball-on-disk wear tester. The plasma-sprayed coating showed a low wear rate ( 4.5 × 10-6 mm3 N-1 m-1), which was <2% of that of the matrix ( 283.3 × 10-6 mm3 N-1 m-1), under a load of 15 N. In addition, the tribological behavior of the plasma-sprayed coating was analyzed by examining the microstructure after the wear tests. It was found that delamination of the Al2TiO5 phase was the main cause of the wear during the sliding wear tests. A suitable model was used to simulate the wear mechanism of the coating.

Surface and biological evaluation of hydroxyapatite-based coatings on titanium deposited by different techniques.

PubMed

Massaro, C; Baker, M A; Cosentino, F; Ramires, P A; Klose, S; Milella, E

2001-01-01

Hydroxyapatite coatings have been deposited on titanium cp by plasma spray, sol-gel, and sputtering techniques for dental implant applications. The latter two techniques are of current interest, as they allow coatings of micrometer dimensions to be deposited. Coating morphology, composition, and structure have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). All coatings were homogeneous and exhibited a rough morphology suitable for implant applications. The sputtered (after annealing), plasma spray, and sol-gel coatings all showed diffraction peaks corresponding to hydroxyapatite. The surface contaminants were observed to be different for the different coating types. The sputtered coatings were found to have a composition most similar to hydroxyapatite; the sol-gel deposits also showed a high concentration of hydroxyl ions. A discrepancy in the Ca/P ratio was observed for the plasma spray coatings, and a small concentration of carbonate ions was found in the sputter-deposited coatings. The in vitro cell-culture studies using MG63 osteoblast-like cells demonstrated the ability of cells to proliferate on the materials tested. The sol-gel coating promotes higher cell growth, greater alkaline phosphatase activity, and greater osteocalcin production compared to the sputtered and plasma-sprayed coatings. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Concept for a beryllium divertor with in-situ plasma spray surface regeneration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, M. F.; Watson, R. D.; McGrath, R. T.; Croessmann, C. D.; Whitley, J. B.; Causey, R. A.

1990-04-01

Two serious problems with the use of graphite tiles on the ITER divertor are the limited lifetime due to erosion and the difficulty of replacing broken tiles inside the machine. Beryllium is proposed as an alternative low-Z armor material because the plasma spray process can be used to make in-situ repairs of eroded or damaged surfaces. Recent advances in plasma spray technology have produced beryllium coatings of 98% density with a 95% deposition efficiency and strong adhesion to the substrate. With existing technology, the entire active region of the ITER divertor surface could be coated with 2 mm of beryllium in less than 15 h using four small plasma spray guns. Beryllium also has other potential advantages over graphite, e.g., efficient gettering of oxygen, ten times less tritium inventory, reduced problems of transient fueling from D/T exchange and release, no runaway erosion cascades from self-sputtering, better adhesion of redeposited material, as well as higher strength, ductility, and fracture toughness than graphite. A 2-D finite element stress analysis was performed on a 3 mm thick Be tile brazed to an OFHC soft-copper saddle block, which was brazed to a high-strength copper tube. Peak stresses remained 50% below the ultimate strength for both brazing and in-service thermal stresses.

Characterisations Of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-13% Wt TiO{sub 2} Deposition On Mild Steel Via Plasma Spray Method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yusoff, N. H.; Isa, M. C.; Ghazali, M. J.

2011-01-17

To date, plasma sprayed alumina titania have been widely used as wear resistance coatings in textile, machinery and printing industries. Previous studies showed that the coating microstructures and properties were strongly depended on various parameters such as ceramic composition, grain size powders and spray parameters, thus, influencing the melting degree of the alumina titania during the deposition process. The aim of this study focuses on the evolution of the micron sizes of alumina-13%wt titania at different plasma spray power, ranging from 20kW to 40kW. It was noted that the coating porosity of alumina-13%wt titania were decreased from 6.2% to 4%more » by increasing the plasma power from 20 to 40 kW. At lower power value, partially melted powders were deposited, generating over 6% porosity within the microstructures. Percentage of porosity about 5.6% gave the best ratio of bi-modal structures, providing the highest microhardness value. Furthermore, the effect of microstructure and porosity formation on wear resistance was also discussed. Coatings with less porosity exhibited better resistance to wear, in which the wear resistance of coated mild steel possessed only {approx}5 x 10{sup -4} cm{sup 3}/Nm with 4% of porosity.« less

Characterizing Suspension Plasma Spray Coating Formation Dynamics through Curvature Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chidambaram Seshadri, Ramachandran; Dwivedi, Gopal; Viswanathan, Vaishak; Sampath, Sanjay

2016-12-01

Suspension plasma spraying (SPS) enables the production of variety of microstructures with unique mechanical and thermal properties. In SPS, a liquid carrier (ethanol/water) is used to transport the sub-micrometric feedstock into the plasma jet. Considering complex deposition dynamics of SPS technique, there is a need to better understand the relationships among spray conditions, ensuing particle behavior, deposition stress evolution and resultant properties. In this study, submicron yttria-stabilized zirconia particles suspended in ethanol were sprayed using a cascaded arc plasma torch. The stresses generated during the deposition of the layers (termed evolving stress) were monitored via the change in curvature of the substrate measured using an in situ measurement apparatus. Depending on the deposition conditions, coating microstructures ranged from feathery porous to dense/cracked deposits. The evolving stresses and modulus were correlated with the observed microstructures and visualized via process maps. Post-deposition bi-layer curvature measurement via low temperature thermal cycling was carried out to quantify the thermo-elastic response of different coatings. Lastly, preliminary data on furnace cycle durability of different coating microstructures were evaluated. This integrated study involving in situ diagnostics and ex situ characterization along with process maps provides a framework to describe coating formation mechanisms, process parametrics and microstructure description.

A theoretical analysis of vacuum arc thruster performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polk, James E.; Sekerak, Mike; Ziemer, John K.; Schein, Jochen; Qi, Niansheng; Binder, Robert; Anders, Andre

2001-01-01

In vacuum arc discharges the current is conducted through vapor evaporated from the cathode surface. In these devices very dense, highly ionized plasmas can be created from any metallic or conducting solid used as the cathode. This paper describes theoretical models of performance for several thruster configurations which use vacuum arc plasma sources. This analysis suggests that thrusters using vacuum arc sources can be operated efficiently with a range of propellant options that gives great flexibility in specific impulse. In addition, the efficiency of plasma production in these devices appears to be largely independent of scale because the metal vapor is ionized within a few microns of the cathode electron emission sites, so this approach is well-suited for micropropulsion.

Deposition stress effects on thermal barrier coating burner rig life

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, J. W.; Levine, S. R.

1984-01-01

A study of the effect of plasma spray processing parameters on the life of a two layer thermal barrier coating was conducted. The ceramic layer was plasma sprayed at plasma arc currents of 900 and 600 amps onto uncooled tubes, cooled tubes, and solid bars of Waspalloy in a lathe with 1 or 8 passes of the plasma gun. These processing changes affected the residual stress state of the coating. When the specimens were tested in a Mach 0.3 cyclic burner rig at 1130 deg C, a wide range of coating lives resulted. Processing factors which reduced the residual stress state in the coating, such as reduced plasma temperature and increased heat dissipation, significantly increased coating life.

Deposition stress effects on the life of thermal barrier coatings on burner rigs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, J. W.; Levine, S. R.

1984-01-01

A study of the effect of plasma spray processing parameters on the life of a two layer thermal barrier coating was conducted. The ceramic layer was plasma sprayed at plasma arc currents of 900 and 600 amps onto uncooled tubes, cooled tubes, and solid bars of Waspalloy in a lathe with 1 or 8 passes of the plasma gun. These processing changes affected the residual stress state of the coating. When the specimens were tested in a Mach 0.3 cyclic burner rig at 1130 deg C, a wide range of coating lives resulted. Processing factors which reduced the residual stress state in the coating, such as reduced plasma temperature and increased heat dissipation, significantly increased coating life.

Systematic Investigation on the Influence of Spray Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of Atmospheric Plasma-Sprayed YSZ Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mutter, Markus; Mauer, Georg; Mücke, Robert; Guillon, Olivier; Vaßen, Robert

2018-04-01

In the atmospheric plasma spray (APS) process, micro-sized ceramic powder is injected into a thermal plasma where it is rapidly heated and propelled toward the substrate. The coating formation is characterized by the subsequent impingement of a large number of more or less molten particles forming the so-called splats and eventually the coating. In this study, a systematic investigation on the influence of selected spray parameters on the coating microstructure and the coating properties was conducted. The investigation thereby comprised the coating porosity, the elastic modulus, and the residual stress evolution within the coating. The melting status of the particles at the impingement on the substrate in combination with the substrate surface condition is crucial for the coating formation. Single splats were collected on mirror-polished substrates for selected spray conditions and evaluated by identifying different types of splats (ideal, distorted, weakly bonded, and partially molten) and their relative fractions. In a previous study, these splat types were evaluated in terms of their effect on the above-mentioned coating properties. The particle melting status, which serves as a measure for the particle spreading behavior, was determined by in-flight particle temperature measurements and correlated to the coating properties. It was found that the gun power and the spray distance have a strong effect on the investigated coating properties, whereas the feed rate and the cooling show minor influence.

Vacuum System and Modeling for the Materials Plasma Exposure Experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lumsdaine, Arnold; Meitner, Steve; Graves, Van

Understanding the science of plasma-material interactions (PMI) is essential for the future development of fusion facilities. The design of divertors and first walls for the next generation of long-pulse fusion facilities, such as a Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) or a DEMO, requires significant PMI research and development. In order to meet this need, a new linear plasma facility, the Materials Plasma Exposure Experiment (MPEX) is proposed, which will produce divertor relevant plasma conditions for these next generation facilities. The device will be capable of handling low activation irradiated samples and be able to remove and replace samples without breakingmore » vacuum. A Target Exchange Chamber (TEC) which can be disconnected from the high field environment in order to perform in-situ diagnostics is planned for the facility as well. The vacuum system for MPEX must be carefully designed in order to meet the requirements of the different heating systems, and to provide conditions at the target similar to those expected in a divertor. An automated coupling-decoupling (“autocoupler”) system is designed to create a high vacuum seal, and will allow the TEC to be disconnected without breaking vacuum in either the TEC or the primary plasma materials interaction chamber. This autocoupler, which can be actuated remotely in the presence of the high magnetic fields, has been designed and prototyped, and shows robustness in a variety of conditions. The vacuum system has been modeled using a simplified finite element analysis, and indicates that the design goals for the pressures in key regions of the facility are achievable.« less

Vacuum System and Modeling for the Materials Plasma Exposure Experiment

DOE PAGES

Lumsdaine, Arnold; Meitner, Steve; Graves, Van; ...

2017-08-07

Understanding the science of plasma-material interactions (PMI) is essential for the future development of fusion facilities. The design of divertors and first walls for the next generation of long-pulse fusion facilities, such as a Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) or a DEMO, requires significant PMI research and development. In order to meet this need, a new linear plasma facility, the Materials Plasma Exposure Experiment (MPEX) is proposed, which will produce divertor relevant plasma conditions for these next generation facilities. The device will be capable of handling low activation irradiated samples and be able to remove and replace samples without breakingmore » vacuum. A Target Exchange Chamber (TEC) which can be disconnected from the high field environment in order to perform in-situ diagnostics is planned for the facility as well. The vacuum system for MPEX must be carefully designed in order to meet the requirements of the different heating systems, and to provide conditions at the target similar to those expected in a divertor. An automated coupling-decoupling (“autocoupler”) system is designed to create a high vacuum seal, and will allow the TEC to be disconnected without breaking vacuum in either the TEC or the primary plasma materials interaction chamber. This autocoupler, which can be actuated remotely in the presence of the high magnetic fields, has been designed and prototyped, and shows robustness in a variety of conditions. The vacuum system has been modeled using a simplified finite element analysis, and indicates that the design goals for the pressures in key regions of the facility are achievable.« less

Vacuum system design and tritium inventory for the charge exchange diagnostic on the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Medley, S.S.

The application of charge exchange analyzers for the measurement of ion temperature in fusion plasma experiments requires a direct connection between the diagnostic and plasma-discharge vacuum chambers. Differential pumping of the gas load from the diagnostic stripping cell operated at > or approx. = 10/sup -3/ Torr is required to maintain the analyzer chamber at a pressure of < or approx. = 10/sup -6/ Torr. The migration of gases between the diagnostic and plasma vacuum chambers must be minimized. In particular, introduction of the analyzer stripping cell gas into the plasma chamber having a base pressure of < or approx.more » = 10/sup -8/ Torr must be suppressed. The charge exchange diagnostic for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) is comprised of two analyzer systems designed to contain a total of 18 independent mass/energy analyzers and one diagnostic neutral beam rated at 80 keV, 15 A. The associated arrays of multiple, interconnected vacuum systems were analyzed using the Vacuum System Transient Simulator (Vsts) computer program which models the transient transport of multigas species through complex networks of ducts, valves, traps, vacuum pumps, and other related vacuum system components. In addition to providing improved design performance at reduced costs, the analysis yields estimates for the exchange of tritium from the torus to the diagnostic components and of the diagnostic working gases to the torus.« less

Variable frequency matching to a radiofrequency source immersed in vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charles, C.; Boswell, R. W.; Bish, A.

2013-09-01

A low-weight (0.12 kg) low-volume fixed ceramic capacitor impedance matching system is developed for frequency agile tuning of a radiofrequency (rf) Helicon plasma thruster. Three fixed groups of capacitors are directly mounted onto a two loop rf antenna with the thruster immersed in a vacuum chamber. Optimum plasma tuning at the resonance frequency is demonstrated via measurements of the load impedance, power transfer efficiency and plasma density versus driving frequency in the 12.882-14.238 MHz range. The resonance frequency with the plasma on is higher than the resonance frequency in vacuum. The minimum rf power necessary for ignition decreases when the ignition frequency is shifted downwards from the resonance frequency. This development has direct applications in space qualification and space use of rf plasma thrusters.

Weak stability of the plasma-vacuum interface problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Catania, Davide; D'Abbicco, Marcello; Secchi, Paolo

2016-09-01

We consider the free boundary problem for the two-dimensional plasma-vacuum interface in ideal compressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). In the plasma region, the flow is governed by the usual compressible MHD equations, while in the vacuum region we consider the Maxwell system for the electric and the magnetic fields. At the free interface, driven by the plasma velocity, the total pressure is continuous and the magnetic field on both sides is tangent to the boundary. We study the linear stability of rectilinear plasma-vacuum interfaces by computing the Kreiss-Lopatinskiĭ determinant of an associated linearized boundary value problem. Apart from possible resonances, we obtain that the piecewise constant plasma-vacuum interfaces are always weakly linearly stable, independently of the size of tangential velocity, magnetic and electric fields on both sides of the characteristic discontinuity. We also prove that solutions to the linearized problem obey an energy estimate with a loss of regularity with respect to the source terms, both in the interior domain and on the boundary, due to the failure of the uniform Kreiss-Lopatinskiĭ condition, as the Kreiss-Lopatinskiĭ determinant associated with this linearized boundary value problem has roots on the boundary of the frequency space. In the proof of the a priori estimates, a crucial part is played by the construction of symmetrizers for a reduced differential system, which has poles at which the Kreiss-Lopatinskiĭ condition may fail simultaneously.

Plasma response measurements of non-axisymmetric magnetic perturbations on DIII-D via soft x-ray imaging

DOE PAGES

Shafer, Morgan W.; Unterberg, Ezekial A.; Wingen, Andreas; ...

2014-12-29

Recent observations on DIII-D have advanced the understanding of plasma response to applied resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) in both H-mode and L-mode plasmas. Three distinct 3D features localized in minor radius are imaged via filtered soft x-ray emission: (i) the formation of lobes extending from the unperturbed separatrix in the X-point region at the plasma boundary, (ii) helical kink-like perturbations in the steep-gradient region inside the separatrix, and (iii) amplified islands in the core of a low-rotation L-mode plasma. In this study, these measurements are used to test and to validate plasma response models, which are crucial for providing predictivemore » capability of edge-localized mode control. In particular, vacuum and two-fluid resistive magnetohydrodynamic(MHD) responses are tested in the regions of these measurements. At the plasma boundary in H-mode discharges with n = 3 RMPs applied, measurements compare well to vacuum-field calculations that predict lobe structures. Yet in the steep-gradient region, measurements agree better with calculations from the linear resistive two-fluid MHD code, M3D-C1. Relative to the vacuum fields, the resistive two-fluid MHD calculations show a reduction in the pitch-resonant components of the normal magnetic field (screening), and amplification of non-resonant components associated with ideal kink modes. However, the calculations still over-predict the amplitude of the measuredperturbation by a factor of 4. In a slowly rotating L-mode plasma with n = 1 RMPs, core islands are observed amplified from vacuum predictions. Finally, these results indicate that while the vacuum approach describes measurements in the edge region well, it is important to include effects of extended MHD in the pedestal and deeper in the plasma core.« less

Sheath expansion and plasma dynamics in the presence of electrode evaporation: Application to a vacuum circuit breaker

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sarrailh, P.; LAPLACE, CNRS, F-31062 Toulouse; Schneider Electric, Centre de Recherche 38 TEC, 38050 Grenoble Cedex 09

2009-09-01

During the postarc dielectric recovery phase in a vacuum circuit breaker, a cathode sheath forms and expels the plasma from the electrode gap. The success or failure of current breaking depends on how efficiently the plasma is expelled from the electrode gap. The sheath expansion in the postarc phase can be compared to sheath expansion in plasma immersion ion implantation except that collisions between charged particles and atoms generated by electrode evaporation may become important in a vacuum circuit breaker. In this paper, we show that electrode evaporation plays a significant role in the dynamics of the sheath expansion inmore » this context not only because charged particle transport is no longer collisionless but also because the neutral flow due to evaporation and temperature gradients may push the plasma toward one of the electrodes. Using a hybrid model of the nonequilibrium postarc plasma and cathode sheath coupled with a direct simulation Monte Carlo method to describe collisions between heavy species, we present a parametric study of the sheath and plasma dynamics and of the time needed for the sheath to expel the plasma from the gap for different values of plasma density and electrode temperatures at the beginning of the postarc phase. This work constitutes a preliminary step toward understanding and quantifying the risk of current breaking failure of a vacuum arc.« less

Sheath expansion and plasma dynamics in the presence of electrode evaporation: Application to a vacuum circuit breaker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarrailh, P.; Garrigues, L.; Hagelaar, G. J. M.; Boeuf, J. P.; Sandolache, G.; Rowe, S.

2009-09-01

During the postarc dielectric recovery phase in a vacuum circuit breaker, a cathode sheath forms and expels the plasma from the electrode gap. The success or failure of current breaking depends on how efficiently the plasma is expelled from the electrode gap. The sheath expansion in the postarc phase can be compared to sheath expansion in plasma immersion ion implantation except that collisions between charged particles and atoms generated by electrode evaporation may become important in a vacuum circuit breaker. In this paper, we show that electrode evaporation plays a significant role in the dynamics of the sheath expansion in this context not only because charged particle transport is no longer collisionless but also because the neutral flow due to evaporation and temperature gradients may push the plasma toward one of the electrodes. Using a hybrid model of the nonequilibrium postarc plasma and cathode sheath coupled with a direct simulation Monte Carlo method to describe collisions between heavy species, we present a parametric study of the sheath and plasma dynamics and of the time needed for the sheath to expel the plasma from the gap for different values of plasma density and electrode temperatures at the beginning of the postarc phase. This work constitutes a preliminary step toward understanding and quantifying the risk of current breaking failure of a vacuum arc.

The Influence of Spray Parameters on the Characteristics of Hydroxyapatite In-Flight Particles, Splats and Coatings by Micro-plasma Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiao-mei; He, Ding-yong; Wang, Yi-ming; Zhou, Zheng; Wang, Guo-hong; Tan, Zhen; Wang, Zeng-jie

2018-04-01

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is one of the most important bioceramic materials used in medical implants. The structure of HA coatings is closely related to their manufacturing process. In the present study, HA coatings were deposited on Ti-6Al-4V substrate by micro-plasma spraying. Results show that three distinct HA coatings could be obtained by changing the spraying power from 0.5 to 1.0 kW and spraying stand-off distance from 60 to 110 mm: (1) high crystallinity (93.3%) coatings with porous structure, (2) high crystallinity coatings (86%) with columnar structure, (3) higher amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP, 50%) coatings with dense structure. The in-flight particles melting state and splat topography was analyzed to better understand the formation mechanism of three distinct HA coatings. Results show that HA coatings sprayed at low spraying power and short stand-off distance exhibit high crystallinity and porosity is attributed to the presence of partially melted particles. High crystallinity HA coatings with (002) crystallographic texture could be deposited due to the complete melting of the in-flight particles and low cooling rate of the disk shape splats under higher spraying power and shorter SOD. However, splashed shape splats with relative high cooling can be provided by increasing SOD, which leads to the formation of ACP.

Thin film coating process using an inductively coupled plasma

DOEpatents

Kniseley, Richard N.; Schmidt, Frederick A.; Merkle, Brian D.

1990-01-30

Thin coatings of normally solid materials are applied to target substrates using an inductively coupled plasma. Particles of the coating material are vaporized by plasma heating, and pass through an orifice to a first vacuum zone in which the particles are accelerated to a velocity greater than Mach 1. The shock wave generated in the first vacuum zone is intercepted by the tip of a skimmer cone that provides a second orifice. The particles pass through the second orifice into a second zone maintained at a higher vacuum and impinge on the target to form the coating. Ultrapure coatings can be formed.

dc-plasma-sprayed electronic-tube device

DOEpatents

Meek, T.T.

1982-01-29

An electronic tube and associated circuitry which is produced by dc plasma arc spraying techniques is described. The process is carried out in a single step automated process whereby both active and passive devices are produced at very low cost. The circuitry is extremely reliable and is capable of functioning in both high radiation and high temperature environments. The size of the electronic tubes produced are more than an order of magnitude smaller than conventional electronic tubes.

Implications of electronic short circuiting in plasma sprayed solid oxide fuel cells on electrode performance evaluation by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, B. D.; Kesler, O.

Electronic short circuiting of the electrolyte in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) arising from flaws in the plasma spray fabrication process has been found to have a significant effect on the perceived performance of the electrodes, as evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The presence of a short circuit has been found to lead to the underestimation of the electrode polarization resistance (R p) and hence an overestimation of electrode performance. The effect is particularly noticeable when electrolyte resistance is relatively high, for example during low to intermediate temperature operation, leading to an obvious deviation from the expected Arrhenius-type temperature dependence of R p. A method is developed for determining the real electrode performance from measurements of various cell properties, and strategies for eliminating the occurrence of short circuiting in plasma sprayed cells are identified.

MD Simulation on Collision Behavior Between Nano-Scale TiO₂ Particles During Vacuum Cold Spraying.

PubMed

Yao, Hai-Long; Yang, Guan-Jun; Li, Chang-Jiu

2018-04-01

Particle collision behavior influences significantly inter-nano particle bonding formation during the nano-ceramic coating deposition by vacuum cold spraying (or aerosol deposition method). In order to illuminate the collision behavior between nano-scale ceramic particles, molecular dynamic simulation was applied to explore impact process between nano-scale TiO2 particles through controlling impact velocities. Results show that the recoil efficiency of the nano-scale TiO2 particle is decreased with the increase of the impact velocity. Nano-scale TiO2 particle exhibits localized plastic deformation during collision at low velocities, while it is intensively deformed by collision at high velocities. This intensive deformation promotes the nano-particle adhesion rather than rebounding off. A relationship between the adhesion energy and the rebound energy is established for the bonding formation of the nano-scale TiO2 particle. The adhesion energy required to the bonding formation between nano-scale ceramic particles can be produced by high velocity collision.

Effects of plasma and vacuum-ultraviolet exposure on the mechanical properties of low-k porous organosilicate glass

Treesearch

X. Guo; J.E. Jakes; S. Banna; Y. Nishi; J.L. Shohet

2014-01-01

The effects of plasma exposure and vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) irradiation on the mechanical properties of low-k porous organosilicate glass (SiCOH) dielectric films were investigated. Nanoindentation measurements were made on SiCOH films before and after exposure to an electron-cyclotron-resonance plasma or a monochromatic synchrotron VUV beam, to determine the changes...

Generation of high charge state metal ion beams by electron cyclotron resonance heating of vacuum arc plasma in cusp trap.

PubMed

Nikolaev, A G; Savkin, K P; Oks, E M; Vizir, A V; Yushkov, G Yu; Vodopyanov, A V; Izotov, I V; Mansfeld, D A

2012-02-01

A method for generating high charge state heavy metal ion beams based on high power microwave heating of vacuum arc plasma confined in a magnetic trap under electron cyclotron resonance conditions has been developed. A feature of the work described here is the use of a cusp magnetic field with inherent "minimum-B" structure as the confinement geometry, as opposed to a simple mirror device as we have reported on previously. The cusp configuration has been successfully used for microwave heating of gas discharge plasma and extraction from the plasma of highly charged, high current, gaseous ion beams. Now we use the trap for heavy metal ion beam generation. Two different approaches were used for injecting the vacuum arc metal plasma into the trap--axial injection from a miniature arc source located on-axis near the microwave window, and radial injection from sources mounted radially at the midplane of the trap. Here, we describe preliminary results of heating vacuum arc plasma in a cusp magnetic trap by pulsed (400 μs) high power (up to 100 kW) microwave radiation at 37.5 GHz for the generation of highly charged heavy metal ion beams.

Preparation Of Sources For Plasma Vapor Deposition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waters, William J.; Sliney, Hal; Kowalski, D.

1993-01-01

Multicomponent metal targets serving as sources of vapor for plasma vapor deposition made in modified pressureless-sintering process. By use of targets made in modified process, one coats components with materials previously plasma-sprayed or sintered but not plasma-vapor-deposited.

A review of vacuum ARC ion source research at ANSTO

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Evans, P.J.; Noorman, J.T.; Watt, G.C.

1996-08-01

The authors talk briefly describes the history and current status of vacuum arc ion source research at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO). In addition, the author makes some mention of the important role of previous Vacuum Arc Ion Source Workshops in fostering the development of this research field internationally. During the period 1986 - 89, a type of plasma centrifuge known as a vacuum arc centrifuge was developed at ANSTO as part of a research project on stable isotope separation. In this device, a high current vacuum arc discharge was used to produce a metal plasma whichmore » was subsequently rotated in an axial magnetic field. The high rotational speeds (10{sup 5} - 10{sup 6} rad sec{sup {minus}1}) achievable with this method produce centrifugal separation of ions with different mass:charge ratios such as isotopic species. The first portent of things to come occurred in 1985 when Dr. Ian Brown visited ANSTO`s Lucas Heights Research Laboratories and presented a talk on the metal vapour vacuum arc (MEVVA) ion source which had only recently been invented by Brown and co-workers, J. Galvin and R. MacGill, at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. For those of us involved in vacuum arc centrifuge research, this was an exciting development primarily because the metal vapour vacuum arc plasma source was common to both devices. Thus, a type of arc, which had since the 1930`s been extensively investigated as a means of switching high current loads, had found wider application as a useful plasma source.« less

Optical study of plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings deposited at different spray distance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belka, R.; Kowalski, S.; Żórawski, W.

2017-08-01

Series of hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings deposited on titanium substrate at different spray (plasma gun to workpiece) distance were investigated. The optical methods as dark field confocal microscopy, Raman/PL and UV-VIS spectroscopy were used for study the influence of deposition process on structural degradation of HA precursor. The hydroxyl group concentration was investigated by study the OH mode intensity in the Raman spectra. Optical absorption coefficients at near UV region were analyzed by Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy. PL intensity observed during Raman measurement was also considered as relation to defects concentration and degradation level. It was confirmed the different gunsubstrate distance has a great impact on structure of deposited HA ceramics.

Electrochemical performance of solid oxide fuel cells having electrolytes made by suspension and solution precursor plasma spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marr, M.; Kuhn, J.; Metcalfe, C.; Harris, J.; Kesler, O.

2014-01-01

Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolytes were deposited by suspension plasma spraying (SPS) and solution precursor plasma spraying (SPPS). The electrolytes were evaluated for permeability, microstructure, and electrochemical performance. With SPS, three different suspensions were tested to explore the influence of powder size distribution and liquid properties. Electrolytes made from suspensions of a powder with d50 = 2.6 μm were more gas-tight than those made from suspensions of a powder with d50 = 0.6 μm. A peak open circuit voltage of 1.00 V was measured at 750 °C with a cell with an electrolyte made from a suspension of d50 = 2.6 μm powder. The use of a flammable suspension liquid was beneficial for improving electrolyte conductivity when using lower energy plasmas, but the choice of liquid was less important when using higher energy plasmas. With SPPS, peak electrolyte conductivities were comparable to the peak conductivities of the SPS electrolytes. However, leak rates through the SPPS electrolytes were higher than those through the electrolytes made from suspensions of d50 = 2.6 μm powder. The electrochemical test data on SPPS electrolytes are the first reported in the literature.

Miniature pulsed vacuum arc plasma gun and apparatus for thin-film fabrication

DOEpatents

Brown, Ian G.; MacGill, Robert A.; Galvin, James E.; Ogletree, David F.; Salmeron, Miquel

1998-01-01

A miniature (dime-size in cross-section) vapor vacuum arc plasma gun is described for use in an apparatus to produce thin films. Any conductive material can be layered as a film on virtually any substrate. Because the entire apparatus can easily be contained in a small vacuum chamber, multiple dissimilar layers can be applied without risk of additional contamination. The invention has special applications in semiconductor manufacturing.

Miniature pulsed vacuum arc plasma gun and apparatus for thin-film fabrication

DOEpatents

Brown, I.G.; MacGill, R.A.; Galvin, J.E.; Ogletree, D.F.; Salmeron, M.

1998-11-24

A miniature (dime-size in cross-section) vapor vacuum arc plasma gun is described for use in an apparatus to produce thin films. Any conductive material can be layered as a film on virtually any substrate. Because the entire apparatus can easily be contained in a small vacuum chamber, multiple dissimilar layers can be applied without risk of additional contamination. The invention has special applications in semiconductor manufacturing. 8 figs.

Suspension thermal spraying of hydroxyapatite: microstructure and in vitro behaviour.

PubMed

Bolelli, Giovanni; Bellucci, Devis; Cannillo, Valeria; Lusvarghi, Luca; Sola, Antonella; Stiegler, Nico; Müller, Philipp; Killinger, Andreas; Gadow, Rainer; Altomare, Lina; De Nardo, Luigi

2014-01-01

In cementless fixation of metallic prostheses, bony ingrowth onto the implant surface is often promoted by osteoconductive plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings. The present work explores the use of the innovative High Velocity Suspension Flame Spraying (HVSFS) process to coat Ti substrates with thin homogeneous hydroxyapatite coatings. The HVSFS hydroxyapatite coatings studied were dense, 27-37μm thick, with some transverse microcracks. Lamellae were sintered together and nearly unidentifiable, unlike conventional plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite. Crystallinities of 10%-70% were obtained, depending on the deposition parameters and the use of a TiO2 bond coat. The average hardness of layers with low (<24%) and high (70%) crystallinity was ≈3.5GPa and ≈4.5GPa respectively. The distributions of hardness values, all characterised by Weibull modulus in the 5-7 range, were narrower than that of conventional plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite, with a Weibull modulus of ≈3.3. During soaking in simulated body fluid, glassy coatings were progressively resorbed and replaced by a new, precipitated hydroxyapatite layer, whereas coatings with 70% crystallinity were stable up to 14days of immersion. The interpretation of the precipitation behaviour was also assisted by surface charge assessments, performed through Z-potential measurements. During in vitro tests, HA coatings showed no cytotoxicity towards the SAOS-2 osteoblast cell line, and surface cell proliferation was comparable with proliferation on reference polystyrene culture plates. © 2013.

Expanding sheath in a bounded plasma in the context of the post-arc phase of a vacuum arc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarrailh, P.; Garrigues, L.; Hagelaar, G. J. M.; Sandolache, G.; Rowe, S.; Jusselin, B.; Boeuf, J. P.

2008-01-01

A numerical model of sheath expansion and plasma decay in a bounded plasma subjected to a linearly increasing voltage has been developed. Numerical results obtained with a hybrid-MB model (Maxwell-Boltzmann electrons, particle ions and Poisson's equations) are compared with analytical theory and results from particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. The hybrid-MB model is similar to models used for plasma immersion ion implantation except that plasma decay due to particle losses to the electrodes is taken into account. The comparisons with more accurate and much more time consuming PIC models show that the hybrid-MB model provides a very satisfactory description of the sheath expansion and plasma decay even for conditions where the grid spacing is much larger than the Debye length. The model is used for high plasma density conditions, corresponding to the post-arc phase of a vacuum arc circuit breaker where a vacuum gap is subject to a transient recovery voltage (TRV) after it has ceased to sustain a vacuum arc. The results show that the plasma sheath expansion is subsonic under these conditions, and that the plasma starts to decay exponentially after two rarefaction waves from the cathode and anode merge in the centre of the gap. A parametric study also shows the strong influence of the TRV rise rate and initial plasma density on the plasma decay time and on the ion current collected by each electrode. The effect of collisions between charged particles and metal atoms resulting for the electrode evaporation is also discussed.

Performance of Plasma Sprayed Al2O3 Coating in Bio-Simulated Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yıldız, F.; Yetim, A. F.; Alsaran, A.; Çelik, A.

2014-01-01

Alumina coatings deposited on the surface of stainless steel 316L by the method of plasma spraying are studied. Tests for wear and corrosion are preformed in Ringer's solution simulating a human body environment. The structure, microhardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the steel are determined with and without a coating. Deposition of a coating onto the stainless steel is shown to be an effective means for protecting implants from corrosion and wear.

JT9D ceramic outer air seal system refinement program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaffin, W. O.

1982-01-01

The abradability and durability characteristics of the plasma sprayed system were improved by refinement and optimization of the plasma spray process and the metal substrate design. The acceptability of the final seal system for engine testing was demonstrated by an extensive rig test program which included thermal shock tolerance, thermal gradient, thermal cycle, erosion, and abradability tests. An interim seal system design was also subjected to 2500 endurance test cycles in a JT9D-7 engine.

Experience of high-nitrogenous steel powder application in repairs and surface hardening of responsible parts for power equipment by plasma spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolpakov, A. S.; Kardonina, N. I.

2016-02-01

The questions of the application of novel diffusion-alloying high-nitrogenous steel powders for repair and surface hardening of responsible parts of power equipment by plasma spraying are considered. The appropriateness of the method for operative repair of equipment and increasing its service life is justified. General data on the structure, properties, and manufacture of nitrogen-, aluminum-, and chromium-containing steel powders that are economically alloyed using diffusion are described. It is noted that the nitrogen release during the decomposition of iron nitrides, when heating, protects the powder particles from oxidation in the plasma jet. It is shown that the coating retains 50% of nitrogen that is contained in the powder. Plasma spraying modes for diffusion-alloying high-nitrogenous steel powders are given. The service properties of plasma coatings based on these powders are analyzed. It is shown that the high-nitrogenous steel powders to a nitrogen content of 8.9 wt % provide the necessary wear resistance and hardness of the coating and the strength of its adhesion to the substrate and corrosion resistance to typical aggressive media. It is noted that increasing the coating porosity promotes stress relaxation and increases its thickness being limited with respect to delamination conditions in comparison with dense coatings on retention of the low defectiveness of the interface and high adhesion to the substrate. The examples of the application of high-nitrogenous steel powders in power engineering during equipment repairs by service companies and overhaul subdivisions of heat power plants are given. It is noted that the plasma spraying of diffusion-alloyed high-nitrogenous steel powders is a unique opportunity to restore nitrided steel products.

XPS and bioactivity study of the bisphosphonate pamidronate adsorbed onto plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McLeod, Kate; Kumar, Sunil; Smart, Roger St. C.; Dutta, Naba; Voelcker, Nicolas H.; Anderson, Gail I.; Sekel, Ron

2006-12-01

This paper reports the use of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to investigate bisphosphonate (BP) adsorption onto plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings commonly used for orthopaedic implants. BPs exhibit high binding affinity for the calcium present in HA and hence can be adsorbed onto HA-coated implants to exploit their beneficial properties for improved bone growth at the implant interface. A rigorous XPS analysis of pamidronate, a commonly used nitrogenous BP, adsorbed onto plasma sprayed HA-coated cobalt-chromium substrates has been carried out, aimed at: (a) confirming the adsorption of this BP onto HA; (b) studying the BP diffusion profile in the HA coating by employing the technique of XPS depth profiling; (c) confirming the bioactivity of the adsorbed BP. XPS spectra of plasma sprayed HA-coated discs exposed to a 10 mM aqueous BP solution (pamidronate) for periods of 1, 2 and 24 h showed nitrogen and phosphorous photoelectron signals corresponding to the BP, confirming its adsorption onto the HA substrate. XPS depth profiling of the 2 h BP-exposed HA discs showed penetration of the BP into the HA matrix to depths of at least 260 nm. The bioactivity of the adsorbed BP was confirmed by the observed inhibition of osteoclast (bone resorbing) cell activity. In comparison to the HA sample, the HA sample with adsorbed BP exhibited a 25-fold decrease in primary osteoclast cells.

Thermal barrier coating life-prediction model development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strangman, T. E.; Neumann, J.; Liu, A.

1986-01-01

The program focuses on predicting the lives of two types of strain-tolerant and oxidation-resistant thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems that are produced by commercial coating suppliers to the gas turbine industry. The plasma-sprayed TBC system, composed of a low-pressure plasma-spray (LPPS) or an argon shrouded plasma-spray (ASPS) applied oxidation resistant NiCrAlY or (CoNiCrAlY) bond coating and an air-plasma-sprayed yttria partially stabilized zirconia insulative layer, is applied by both Chromalloy, Klock, and Union Carbide. The second type of TBS is applied by the electron beam-physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) process by Temescal. The second year of the program was focused on specimen procurement, TMC system characterization, nondestructive evaluation methods, life prediction model development, and TFE731 engine testing of thermal barrier coated blades. Materials testing is approaching completion. Thermomechanical characterization of the TBC systems, with toughness, and spalling strain tests, was completed. Thermochemical testing is approximately two-thirds complete. Preliminary materials life models for the bond coating oxidation and zirconia sintering failure modes were developed. Integration of these life models with airfoil component analysis methods is in progress. Testing of high pressure turbine blades coated with the program TBS systems is in progress in a TFE731 turbofan engine. Eddy current technology feasibility was established with respect to nondestructively measuring zirconia layer thickness of a TBC system.

Columnar-Structured Mg-Al-Spinel Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) by Suspension Plasma Spraying (SPS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlegel, N.; Ebert, S.; Mauer, G.; Vaßen, R.

2015-01-01

The suspension plasma spraying (SPS) process has been developed to permit the feeding of sub-micrometer-sized powder into the plasma plume. In contrast to electron beam-physical vapor deposition and plasma spray-physical vapor deposition, SPS enables the cost-efficient deposition of columnar-structured coatings. Due to their strain tolerance, these coatings play an important role in the field of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). In addition to the cost-efficient process, attention was turned to the TBC material. Nowadays, yttria partially stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is used as standard TBC material. However, its long-term application at temperatures higher than 1200 °C is problematic. At these high temperatures, phase transitions and sintering effects lead to the degradation of the TBC system. To overcome those deficits of YSZ, Mg-Al-spinel was chosen as TBC material. Even though it has a lower melting point (~2135 °C) and a higher thermal conductivity (~2.5 W/m/K) than YSZ, Mg-Al-spinel provides phase stability at high temperatures in contrast to YSZ. The Mg-Al-spinel deposition by SPS resulted in columnar-structured coatings, which have been tested for their thermal cycling lifetime. Furthermore, the influence of substrate cooling during the spraying process on thermal cycling behavior, phase composition, and stoichiometry of the Mg-Al-spinel has been investigated.

Effect of plasma treatment (He/CH4) on glass surface for the reduction of powder flux adhesion in the spray drying process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramlan, Nadiah; Zamri, Nazirah Wahidah Mohd; Maskat, Mohd Yusof; Hoong, Chin Oi; Theng, Lau Yen; Zubairi, Saiful Irwan

2018-04-01

A 50Hz glow discharge He/CH4 plasma was generated and applied for the modification of glass surface to reduce powder adhesion on the wall of spray dryer. The hydrophobicity of the glass samples determined by the water droplet contact angle and adhesion weight on glass, dependent on the CH4 flow rate and plasma exposure time. There was a peak that appeared at 1470 cm-1 on the surface of treated glass indicating the presence of CH3 groups from ATR-FTIR data. Surface morphology analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed changes of roughness in the surface-treated glass. The presence of alkyl group (CH3) that deposited on the glass surface is one of the factors that contribute to the increase in the surface roughness. The surface roughness will reflect the value of contact angle where hydrophobic surface are rougher compared to hydrophilic surface. The plasma treatment could enhance the value of the contact angle and thus reduced the adhesion on the spray dryer glass surface.

Development and evaluation of suspension plasma sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia coatings as thermal barriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Every, Kent J.

The insulating effects from thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) in gas turbine engines allow for increased operational efficiencies and longer service lifetimes. Consequently, improving TBCs can lead to enhanced gas turbine engine performance. This study was conducted to investigate if yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings, the standard industrial choice for TBCs, produced from nano-sized powder could provide better thermal insulation than current commericial YSZ coatings generated using micron-sized powders. The coatings for this research were made via the recently developed suspension plasma spraying (SPS) process. With SPS, powders are suspended in a solvent containing dispersing agents; the suspension is then injected directly into a plasma flow that evaporates the solvent and melts the powder while transporting it to the substrate. Although related to the industrial TBC production method of air plasma spraying (APS), SPS has two important differences---the ability to spray sub-micron diameter ceramic particles, and the ability to alloy the particles with chemicals dissolved in the solvent. These aspects of SPS were employed to generate a series of coatings from suspensions containing ˜100 nm diameter YSZ powder particles, some of which were alloyed with neodymium and ytterbium ions from the solvent. The SPS coatings contained columnar structures not observed in APS TBCs; thus, a theory was developed to explain the formation of these features. The thermal conductivity of the coatings was tested to evaluate the effects of these unique microstructures and the effects of the alloying process. The results for samples in the as-sprayed and heat-treated conditions were compared to conventional YSZ TBCs. This comparison showed that, relative to APS YSZ coatings, the unalloyed SPS samples typically exhibited higher as-sprayed and lower heat-treated thermal conductivities. All thermal conductivity values for the alloyed samples were lower than conventional YSZ TBCs. The different thermal conduction behaviors were linked to the porosity and compositional properties of the coatings using immersion density, SEM, and synchrotron radiation characterization techniques.

Low-Cost and Durable Bipolar Plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lettenmeier, P.; Wang, R.; Abouatallah, R.; Saruhan, B.; Freitag, O.; Gazdzicki, P.; Morawietz, T.; Hiesgen, R.; Gago, A. S.; Friedrich, K. A.

2017-03-01

Cost reduction and high efficiency are the mayor challenges for sustainable H2 production via proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis. Titanium-based components such as bipolar plates (BPP) have the largest contribution to the capital cost. This work proposes the use of stainless steel BPPs coated with Nb and Ti by magnetron sputtering physical vapor deposition (PVD) and vacuum plasma spraying (VPS), respectively. The physical properties of the coatings are thoroughly characterized by scanning electron, atomic force microscopies (SEM, AFM); and X-ray diffraction, photoelectron spectroscopies (XRD, XPS). The Ti coating (50 μm) protects the stainless steel substrate against corrosion, while a 50-fold thinner layer of Nb decreases the contact resistance by almost one order of magnitude. The Nb/Ti-coated stainless steel bipolar BPPs endure the harsh environment of the anode for more than 1000 h of operation under nominal conditions, showing a potential use in PEM electrolyzers for large-scale H2 production from renewables.

NASA Tech Briefs, February 2008

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

Topics discussed include: Optical Measurement of Mass Flow of a Two-Phase Fluid; Selectable-Tip Corrosion-Testing Electrochemical Cell; Piezoelectric Bolt Breakers and Bolt Fatigue Testers; Improved Measurement of B(sub 22) of Macromolecules in a Flow Cell; Measurements by a Vector Network Analyzer at 325 to 508 GHz; Using Light to Treat Mucositis and Help Wounds Heal; Increasing Discharge Capacities of Li-(CF)(sub n) Cells; Dot-in-Well Quantum-Dot Infrared Photodetectors; Integrated Microbatteries for Implantable Medical Devices; Oxidation Behavior of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites; GIDEP Batching Tool; Generic Spacecraft Model for Real-Time Simulation; Parallel-Processing Software for Creating Mosaic Images; Software for Verifying Image-Correlation Tie Points; Flexcam Image Capture Viewing and Spot Tracking; Low-Pt-Content Anode Catalyst for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells; Graphite/Cyanate Ester Face Sheets for Adaptive Optics; Atomized BaF2-CaF7 for Better-Flowing Plasma-Spray Feedstock; Nanophase Nickel-Zirconium Alloys for Fuel Cells; Vacuum Packaging of MEMS With Multiple Internal Seal Rings; Compact Two-Dimensional Spectrometer Optics; and Fault-Tolerant Coding for State Machines.

Low-Cost and Durable Bipolar Plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers

PubMed Central

Lettenmeier, P.; Wang, R.; Abouatallah, R.; Saruhan, B.; Freitag, O.; Gazdzicki, P.; Morawietz, T.; Hiesgen, R.; Gago, A. S.; Friedrich, K. A.

2017-01-01

Cost reduction and high efficiency are the mayor challenges for sustainable H2 production via proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis. Titanium-based components such as bipolar plates (BPP) have the largest contribution to the capital cost. This work proposes the use of stainless steel BPPs coated with Nb and Ti by magnetron sputtering physical vapor deposition (PVD) and vacuum plasma spraying (VPS), respectively. The physical properties of the coatings are thoroughly characterized by scanning electron, atomic force microscopies (SEM, AFM); and X-ray diffraction, photoelectron spectroscopies (XRD, XPS). The Ti coating (50 μm) protects the stainless steel substrate against corrosion, while a 50-fold thinner layer of Nb decreases the contact resistance by almost one order of magnitude. The Nb/Ti-coated stainless steel bipolar BPPs endure the harsh environment of the anode for more than 1000 h of operation under nominal conditions, showing a potential use in PEM electrolyzers for large-scale H2 production from renewables. PMID:28294119

Failure Analysis of Multilayered Suspension Plasma-Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings for Gas Turbine Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, M.; Markocsan, N.; Rocchio-Heller, R.; Liu, J.; Li, X.-H.; Östergren, L.

2018-02-01

Improvement in the performance of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) is one of the key objectives for further development of gas turbine applications. The material most commonly used as TBC topcoat is yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). However, the usage of YSZ is limited by the operating temperature range which in turn restricts the engine efficiency. Materials such as pyrochlores, perovskites, rare earth garnets are suitable candidates which could replace YSZ as they exhibit lower thermal conductivity and higher phase stability at elevated temperatures. The objective of this work was to investigate different multilayered TBCs consisting of advanced topcoat materials fabricated by suspension plasma spraying (SPS). The investigated topcoat materials were YSZ, dysprosia-stabilized zirconia, gadolinium zirconate, and ceria-yttria-stabilized zirconia. All topcoats were deposited by TriplexPro-210TM plasma spray gun and radial injection of suspension. Lifetime of these samples was examined by thermal cyclic fatigue and thermal shock testing. Microstructure analysis of as-sprayed and failed specimens was performed with scanning electron microscope. The failure mechanisms in each case have been discussed in this article. The results show that SPS could be a promising route to produce multilayered TBCs for high-temperature applications.

Plasma-Etching of Spray-Coated Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Films for Biointerfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Joon Hyub; Lee, Jun-Yong; Min, Nam Ki

2012-08-01

We present an effective method for the batch fabrication of miniaturized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film electrodes using oxygen plasma etching. We adopted the approach of spray-coating for good adhesion of the SWCNT film onto a pre-patterned Pt support and used O2 plasma patterning of the coated films to realize efficient biointerfaces between SWCNT surfaces and biomolecules. By these approaches, the SWCNT film can be easily integrated into miniaturized electrode systems. To demonstrate the effectiveness of plasma-etched SWCNT film electrodes as biointerfaces, Legionella antibody was selected as analysis model owing to its considerable importance to electrochemical biosensors and was detected using plasma-etched SWCNT film electrodes and a 3,3',5,5'-tetramethyl-benzidine dihydrochloride/horseradish peroxidase (TMB/HRP) catalytic system. The response currents increased with increasing concentration of Legionella antibody. This result indicates that antibodies were effectively immobilized on plasma-etched and activated SWCNT surfaces.

Survivability of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) in bovine plasma submitted to spray drying processing and held at different time by temperature storage conditions.

PubMed

Pujols, Joan; Segalés, Joaquim

2014-12-05

Bovine plasma was inoculated with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) at an average final titer of 4.2 log10 TCID50/mL to determine the effect of spray drying on viral inactivation. Using a laboratory scale drier, inoculated plasma was spray dried at 200 °C inlet temperature and either 70 or 80 °C throughout substance. Both liquid and dried samples were subjected to three passages on VERO cell monolayers to determine PEDV infectivity. Results indicated liquid samples contained infective virus, but none of the spray dried samples were infectious. Also, survivability of PEDV inoculated on spray dried bovine plasma (SDBP) and stored at 4, 12 or 22 °C was determined for 7, 14 and 21 days. Commercial SDBP powder was inoculated with PEDV to an average final titer of 2.8 log10 TCID50/g. Five samples per time and temperature conditions were subjected to three passages on VERO cell monolayers to determine PEDV infectivity. The virus was non-infectious for all samples stored at 22 °C at 7, 14 and 21 days. PEDV was infective in 1 out of 5 samples stored at 12 °C at 7 days, but none of the samples stored for 14 and 21 days were infectious in cell culture. For samples stored at 4 °C, 4 out of 5 samples were infectious at 7 days, 1 out of 5 samples were infectious at 14 days, but none were infectious at 21 days. In summary, PEDV was not infectious on cell culture within 7 days when stored at room temperature and within 21 days when stored at refrigerated temperature. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Trends and problems in CdS/Cu/x/S thin film solar cells - A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinuzzi, S.

1982-03-01

The methods currently used to fabricate CdS/CuS solar cells are reviewed, along with comparisons of the effects on performance of the various preparation techniques. Attention is given to thermal evaporation, sputter, and chemical spray formation of the CdS layers, noting that most experience is presently with the evaporative and spray processes. CuS layers are formed in dip or wet process chemiplating, electroplating, vacuum deposition in flash and sputter modes, solid state reaction, or spray deposition. Any of the CuS film techniques can be used with any of the CdS layer processes, while spraying and sputtering are noted to offer the best alternatives for industrial production. Band profiles, I-V characteristics, photocurrent levels, and capacitance-voltage characteristics are outlined for the differently formed cells, and CdS/CuS and CdZnS/CuS cells are concluded to exhibit the highest performance features. Areas of improvement necessary to bring the cells to commercial status are discussed.

Metal alloy coatings and methods for applying

DOEpatents

Merz, Martin D.; Knoll, Robert W.

1991-01-01

A method of coating a substrate comprises plasma spraying a prealloyed feed powder onto a substrate, where the prealloyed feed powder comprises a significant amount of an alloy of stainless steel and at least one refractory element selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, tantalum, molybdenum, and tungsten. The plasma spraying of such a feed powder is conducted in an oxygen containing atmosphere and forms an adherent, corrosion resistant, and substantially homogenous metallic refractory alloy coating on the substrate.

Overview of zirconia with respect to gas turbine applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cawley, J. D.

1984-01-01

Phase relationships and the mechanical properties of zirconia are examined as well as the thermal conductivity, deformation, diffusion, and chemical reactivity of this refractory material. Observations from the literature particular to plasma-sprayed material and implications for gas turbine engine applications are discussed. The literature review indicates that Mg-PSZ (partially stabilized zirconia) and Ca-PSZ are unsuitable for advanced gas turbine applications; a thorough characterization of the microstructure of plasma-sprayed zirconia is needed. Transformation-toughened zirconia may be suitable for use in monolithic components.

In-situ formation of multiphase air plasma sprayed barrier coatings for turbine components

DOEpatents

Subramanian, Ramesh

2001-01-01

A turbine component (10), such as a turbine blade, is provided which is made of a metal alloy (22) and a base, planar-grained thermal barrier layer (28) applied by air plasma spraying on the alloy surface, where a heat resistant ceramic oxide overlay material (32') covers the bottom thermal barrier coating (28), and the overlay material is the reaction product of the precursor ceramic oxide overlay material (32) and the base thermal barrier coating material (28).

Effect of drying methods on the structure, thermo and functional properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) protein isolate.

PubMed

Feyzi, Samira; Varidi, Mehdi; Zare, Fatemeh; Varidi, Mohammad Javad

2018-03-01

Different drying methods due to protein denaturation could alter the functional properties of proteins, as well as their structure. So, this study focused on the effect of different drying methods on amino acid content, thermo and functional properties, and protein structure of fenugreek protein isolate. Freeze and spray drying methods resulted in comparable protein solubility, dynamic surface and interfacial tensions, foaming and emulsifying properties except for emulsion stability. Vacuum oven drying promoted emulsion stability, surface hydrophobicity and viscosity of fenugreek protein isolate at the expanse of its protein solubility. Vacuum oven process caused a higher level of Maillard reaction followed by the spray drying process, which was confirmed by the lower amount of lysine content and less lightness, also more browning intensity. ΔH of fenugreek protein isolates was higher than soy protein isolate, which confirmed the presence of more ordered structures. Also, the bands which are attributed to the α-helix structures in the FTIR spectrum were in the shorter wave number region for freeze and spray dried fenugreek protein isolates that show more possibility of such structures. This research suggests that any drying method must be conducted in its gentle state in order to sustain native structure of proteins and promote their functionalities. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Engineering and Design of the Steady Inductive Helicity Injected Torus (HIT--SI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sieck, P. E.; Jarboe, T. R.; Nelson, B. A.; Rogers, J. A.; Shumlak, U.

1999-11-01

Steady Inductive Helicity Injection (SIHI) is an inductive helicity injection method that injects helicity at a nearly constant rate, without open field lines, and without removing any helicity or magnetic energy from the plasma.(T.R. Jarboe, Fusion Technology, 36) (1), p. 85, 1999 SIHI directly produces a rotating magnetic field structure, and in the frame of the rotating field the current profile is nearly time independent. The Steady Inductive Helicity Injected Torus (HIT--SI) is a spheromak designed to implement SIHI so that the current profile in the rotating frame is optimized. The geometry of HIT--SI will be presented, including the manufacturing techniques and metallurgical processes planned for construction of the close-fitting flux conserver. The flux conserver is made of aged chromium copper with 80% the conductivity of pure copper. The detailed electrical insulation requirements in the helicity injector design lead to a complex o-ring seal and a plasma-sprayed alumina insulation coating. This has prompted the construction of an o-ring prototype test fixture having the main features of the o-ring design and the alumina coating. The design and evaluation of this fixture will also be presented with vacuum and voltage test results.

MAST magnetic diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edlington, T.; Martin, R.; Pinfold, T.

2001-01-01

The mega-ampere spherical tokamak (MAST) experiment is a new, large, low aspect ratio device (R=0.7-0.8 m, a=0.5-0.65 m, maximum BT˜0.63 T at R=0.7 m) operating its first experimental physics campaign. Designed to study a wide variety of plasma shapes with up to 2 MA of plasma current with an aspect ratio down to 1.3, the poloidal field (PF) coils used for plasma formation, equilibrium and shaping are inside the main vacuum vessel. For plasma control and to investigate a wide range of plasma phenomena, an extensive set of magnetic diagnostics have been installed inside the vacuum vessel. More than 600 vacuum compatible, bakeable diagnostic coils are configured in a number of discrete arrays close to the plasma edge with about half the coils installed behind the graphite armour tiles covering the center column. The coil arrays measure the toroidal and poloidal variation in the equilibrium field and its high frequency fluctuating components. Internal coils also measure currents in the PF coils, plasma current, stored energy and induced currents in the mechanical support structures of the coils and graphite armour tiles. The latter measurements are particularly important when halo currents are induced following a plasma termination, for example, when the plasma becomes vertically unstable. The article describes the MAST magnetic diagnostic coil set and their calibration. The way in which coil signals are used to control the plasma equilibrium is described and data from the first MAST experimental campaign presented. These coil data are used as input to the code EFIT [L. Lao et al., Nucl. Fusion 25, 1611 (1985)], for measurement of halo currents in the vacuum vessel structure and for measurements of the structure of magnetic field fluctuations near the plasma edge.

Method and apparatus for the formation of a spheromak plasma

DOEpatents

Yamada, Masaaki; Furth, Harold P.; Stix, Thomas H.; Todd, Alan M. M.

1982-01-01

A method and apparatus for forming a detached, compact toroidally shaped spheromak plasma by an inductive mechanism. A generally spheroidal vacuum vessel (1) houses a toroidally shaped flux ring or core (2) which contains poloidal and toroidal field generating coils. A plasma discharge occurs with the pulsing of the toroidal field coil, and the plasma is caused to expand away from the core (2) and toward the center of the vacuum vessel (1). When the plasma is in an expanded state, a portion of it is pinched off in order to form a separate, detached spheromak plasma configuration. The detached plasma is supported by a magnetic field generated by externally arranged equilibrium field coils (5).

The mechanism of the effect of a plasma layer with negative permittivity on the antenna radiation field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Chunsheng, E-mail: wangcs@hit.edu.cn; Liu, Hui; Jiang, Binhao

A model of a plasma–antenna system is developed to study the mechanism of the effect of the plasma layer on antenna radiation. Results show a plasma layer with negative permittivity is inductive, and thus affects the phase difference between electric and magnetic fields. In the near field of antenna radiation, a plasma layer with proper parameters can compensate the capacitivity of the vacuum and enhance the radiation power. In the far field of antenna radiation, the plasma layer with negative permittivity increases the inductivity of the vacuum and reduces the radiation power.

Fabrication of High-Temperature Heat Exchangers by Plasma Spraying Exterior Skins on Nickel Foams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hafeez, P.; Yugeswaran, S.; Chandra, S.; Mostaghimi, J.; Coyle, T. W.

2016-06-01

Thermal-sprayed heat exchangers were tested at high temperatures (750 °C), and their performances were compared to the foam heat exchangers made by brazing Inconel sheets to their surface. Nickel foil was brazed to the exterior surface of 10-mm-thick layers of 10 and 40 PPI nickel foam. A plasma torch was used to spray an Inconel coating on the surface of the foil. A burner test rig was built to produce hot combustion gases that flowed over exposed face of the heat exchanger. Cooling air flowed through the foam heat exchanger at rates of up to 200 SLPM. Surface temperature and air inlet/exit temperature were measured. Heat transfer to air flowing through the foam was significantly higher for the thermally sprayed heat exchangers than for the brazed heat exchangers. On an average, thermally sprayed heat exchangers show 36% higher heat transfer than conventionally brazed foam heat exchangers. At low flow rates, the convective resistance is large (~4 × 10-2 m2 K/W), and the effect of thermal contact resistance is negligible. At higher flow rates, the convective resistance decreases (~2 × 10-3 m2 K/W), and the lower contact resistance of the thermally sprayed heat exchanger provides better performance than the brazed heat exchangers.

Oxidation and particle deposition modeling in plasma spraying of Ti-6Al-4V/SiC fiber composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cochelin, E.; Borit, F.; Frot, G.; Jeandin, M.; Decker, L.; Jeulin, D.; Taweel, B. Al; Michaud, V.; Noël, P.

1999-03-01

Plasma spraying is known to be a promising process for the manufacturing of Ti/SiC long-fiber composites. However, some improvements remain for this process to be applied in an industrial route. These include: oxygen contamination of the sprayed material through that of titanium particles before and during spraying, damage to fibers due to a high level of thermal stresses induced at the spraying stage, adequate deposition of titanium-base powder to achieve a low-porosity matrix and good impregnation of the fiber array. This article deals with work that resulted in a threefold study of the process. Oxidation was studied using electron microprobe analysis of elementary particles quenched and trapped into a closed box at various given flight distances. Oxygen diffusion phenomena within the particles are discussed from a preliminary theoretical approach coupled with experimental data. Isothermal and thermomechanical calculations were made using the ABAQUS code to determine stresses arising from contact of a liquid Ti-6Al-4V particle onto a SiC fiber. On the scale of the sprayed powder flow, a two-dimensional new type of model simulating the deposition of droplets onto a substrate was developed. This new type of model is based on a lattice-gas automaton that reproduces the hydrodynamical behavior of fluids.

Self-Cleaning Anticondensing Glass via Supersonic Spraying of Silver Nanowires, Silica, and Polystyrene Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Lee, Jong-Gun; An, Seongpil; Kim, Tae-Gun; Kim, Min-Woo; Jo, Hong-Seok; Swihart, Mark T; Yarin, Alexander L; Yoon, Sam S

2017-10-11

We have sequentially deposited layers of silver nanowires (AgNWs), silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) nanoparticles, and polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles on uncoated glass by a rapid low-cost supersonic spraying method to create antifrosting, anticondensation, and self-cleaning glass. The conductive silver nanowire network embedded in the coating allows electrical heating of the glass surface. Supersonic spraying is a single-step coating technique that does not require vacuum. The fabricated multifunctional glass was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thermal insulation and antifrosting performance were demonstrated using infrared thermal imaging. The reliability of the electrical heating function was tested through extensive cycling. This transparent multifunctional coating holds great promise for use in various smart window designs.

Plasma-Sprayed Titanium Patterns for Enhancing Early Cell Responses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Yunqi; Xie, Youtao; Pan, Houhua; Zheng, Xuebin; Huang, Liping; Ji, Fang; Li, Kai

2016-06-01

Titanium coating has been widely used as a biocompatible metal in biomedical applications. However, the early cell responses and long-term fixation of titanium implants are not satisfied. To obviate these defects, in this paper, micro-post arrays with various widths (150-1000 μm) and intervals (100-300 μm) were fabricated on the titanium substrate by template-assisted plasma spraying technology. In vitro cell culture experiments showed that MC3T3-E1 cells exhibited significantly higher osteogenic differentiation as well as slightly improved adhesion and proliferation on the micro-patterned coatings compared with the traditional one. The cell number on the pattern with 1000 µm width reached 130% after 6 days of incubation, and the expressions of osteopontin (OPN) as well as osteocalcin (OC) were doubled. No obvious difference was found in cell adhesion on various size patterns. The present micro-patterned coatings proposed a new modification method for the traditional plasma spraying technology to enhance the early cell responses and convenience for the bone in-growth.

Synthesis and characterization of in situ TiC-TiB2 composite coatings by reactive plasma spraying on a magnesium alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Binglin; Tao, Shunyan; Huang, Wenzhi; Khan, Zuhair S.; Fan, Xizhi; Gu, Lijian; Wang, Ying; Xu, Jiaying; Cai, Xiaolong; Ma, Hongmei; Cao, Xueqiang

2013-01-01

TiC-TiB2 composite coatings were successfully synthesized using the technique of reactive plasma spraying (RPS) on a magnesium alloy. Phase composition, microstructure and wear resistance of the coatings were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and pin-on-disk wear test, respectively. The results showed that the resultant product in the RPS coatings was composed of TiC and TiB2. Depending on the ignition of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis reaction in the agglomerate particles, the RPS coatings displayed porous and dense microstructures. The porosity of the RPS coatings, to some extent, decreased when the feed powders were plasma sprayed with Ni powders. The RPS coatings provided good wear resistance for the substrate under various loads. For high loads (e.g., ≥15 N), the wear resistance could be significantly improved by the proper addition of Ni into the RPS coatings.

Method of forming a plasma sprayed interconnection layer on an electrode of an electrochemical cell

DOEpatents

Spengler, Charles J.; Folser, George R.; Vora, Shailesh D.; Kuo, Lewis; Richards, Von L.

1995-01-01

A dense, substantially gas-tight, electrically conductive interconnection layer is formed on an air electrode structure of an electrochemical cell by (A) providing an electrode surface; (B) forming on a selected portion of the electrode surface, a layer of doped LaCrO.sub.3 particles doped with an element selected from Ca, Sr, Ba, Mg, Co, Ni, Al and mixtures thereof by plasma spraying doped LaCrO.sub.3 powder, preferably compensated with chromium as Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 and/or dopant element, preferably by plasma arc spraying; and, (C) heating the doped and compensated LaCrO.sub.3 layer to about 1100.degree. C. to 1300.degree. C. to provide a dense, substantially gas-tight, substantially hydration-free, electrically conductive interconnection material bonded to the electrode surface. A solid electrolyte layer can be applied to the unselected portion of the air electrode, and a fuel electrode can be applied to the solid electrolyte, to provide an electrochemical cell.

Method of forming a plasma sprayed interconnection layer on an electrode of an electrochemical cell

DOEpatents

Spengler, C.J.; Folser, G.R.; Vora, S.D.; Kuo, L.; Richards, V.L.

1995-06-20

A dense, substantially gas-tight, electrically conductive interconnection layer is formed on an air electrode structure of an electrochemical cell by (A) providing an electrode surface; (B) forming on a selected portion of the electrode surface, a layer of doped LaCrO{sub 3} particles doped with an element selected from Ca, Sr, Ba, Mg, Co, Ni, Al and mixtures thereof by plasma spraying doped LaCrO{sub 3} powder, preferably compensated with chromium as Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} and/or dopant element, preferably by plasma arc spraying; and, (C) heating the doped and compensated LaCrO{sub 3} layer to about 1100 C to 1300 C to provide a dense, substantially gas-tight, substantially hydration-free, electrically conductive interconnection material bonded to the electrode surface. A solid electrolyte layer can be applied to the unselected portion of the air electrode, and a fuel electrode can be applied to the solid electrolyte, to provide an electrochemical cell. 6 figs.

Development of Ceramic Coating on Metal Substrate using Industrial Waste and Ore Minerals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhuyan, S. K.; Thiyagarajan, T. K.; Mishra, S. C.

2017-02-01

The technological advancement in modern era has a boon for enlightening human life; but also is a bane to produce a huge amount of (industrial) wastes, which is of great concern for utilization and not to create environmental threats viz. polution etc. In the present piece of research work, attempts have been made to utilize fly ash (wastes of thermal power plants) and along with alumina bearing ore i.e. bauxite, for developing plasma spray ceramic coatings on metals. Fly ash and with 10 and 20% bauxite addition is used to deposit plasma spray coatings on a metal substrate. The surface morphology of the coatings deposited at different power levels of plasma spraying investigated through SEM and EDS analysis. The coating thickness is measured. The porosity levels of the coatings are evaluated. The coating hardness isalso measured. This piece of research work will be beneficial for future development and use of industrial waste and ore minerals for high-valued applications.

Optimal Design of Nozzle for Supersonic Atmosphere Plasma Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Pei; Wei, Zhengying; Zhao, Guangxi; Bai, Y.; Tan, Chao

2016-08-01

Through numerical simulation, key issues concerning the plasma jet features as well as the sizes of nozzle for supersonic atmosphere plasma spraying (SAPS) were analyzed in this paper. Numerical results were compared with the experimental measurements and a good agreement has been achieved. Due to the effect of mechanical compression, the increasing sizes of r1, r2, r3 and r4 (r1, r2, r3 and r4 are the sizes of nozzle) lead to a decrease in temperature and velocity of plasma jet. But large size of r5 can increase the external temperature and velocity of plasma jet, which benefit particles accelerating at the far downstream region. A new nozzle was designed based on the simulation results. Compared to the temperature and velocity of plasma jet in the original nozzle, the maximum temperature and velocity of plasma jet in new structure are increased by about 9.8% and 44.5%, which is a benefit to the particles to reach a higher speed and surface temperature.

Method of forming a leak proof plasma sprayed interconnection layer on an electrode of an electrochemical cell

DOEpatents

Kuo, Lewis J. H.; Vora, Shailesh D.

1995-01-01

A dense, substantially gas-tight, electrically conductive interconnection layer is formed on an electrode structure of an electrochemical cell by: (A) providing an electrode structure; (B) forming on a selected portion of the electrode surface, an interconnection layer having the general formula La.sub.1-x M.sub.x Cr.sub.1-y N.sub.y O.sub.3, where M is a dopant selected from the group of Ca, Sr, Ba, and mixtures thereof, and where N is a dopant selected from the group of Mg, Co, Ni, Al, and mixtures thereof, and where x and y are each independently about 0.075-0.25, by thermally spraying, preferably plasma arc spraying, a flux added interconnection spray powder, preferably agglomerated, the flux added powder comprising flux particles, preferably including dopant, preferably (CaO).sub.12. (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3).sub.7 flux particles including Ca and Al dopant, and LaCrO.sub.3 interconnection particles, preferably undoped LaCrO.sub.3, to form a dense and substantially gas-tight interconnection material bonded to the electrode structure by a single plasma spraying step; and, (C) heat treating the interconnection layer at from about 1200.degree. to 1350.degree. C. to further densify and heal the micro-cracks and macro-cracks of the thermally sprayed interconnection layer. The result is a substantially gas-tight, highly doped, electrically conductive interconnection material bonded to the electrode structure. The electrode structure can be an air electrode, and a solid electrolyte layer can be applied to the unselected portion of the air electrode, and further a fuel electrode can be applied to the solid electrolyte, to form an electrochemical cell for generation of electrical power.

Plasma-Sprayed High Entropy Alloys: Microstructure and Properties of AlCoCrFeNi and MnCoCrFeNi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ang, Andrew Siao Ming; Berndt, Christopher C.; Sesso, Mitchell L.; Anupam, Ameey; S, Praveen; Kottada, Ravi Sankar; Murty, B. S.

2015-02-01

High entropy alloys (HEAs) represent a new class of materials that present novel phase structures and properties. Apart from bulk material consolidation methods such as casting and sintering, HEAs can also be deposited as a surface coating. In this work, thermal sprayed HEA coatings are investigated that may be used as an alternative bond coat material for a thermal barrier coating system. Nanostructured HEAs that were based on AlCoCrFeNi and MnCoCrFeNi were prepared by ball milling and then plasma sprayed. Splat studies were assessed to optimise the appropriate thermal spray parameters and spray deposits were prepared. After mechanical alloying, aluminum-based and manganese-based HEA powders revealed contrary prominences of BCC and FCC phases in their X-ray diffraction patterns. However, FCC phase was observed as the major phase present in both of the plasma-sprayed AlCoCrFeNi and MnCoCrFeNi coatings. There were also minor oxide peaks detected, which can be attributed to the high temperature processing. The measured porosity levels for AlCoCrFeNi and MnCoCrFeNi coatings were 9.5 ± 2.3 and 7.4 ± 1.3 pct, respectively. Three distinct phase contrasts, dark gray, light gray and white, were observed in the SEM images, with the white regions corresponding to retained multicomponent HEAs. The Vickers hardness (HV0.3kgf) was 4.13 ± 0.43 and 4.42 ± 0.60 GPa for AlCoCrFeNi and MnCoCrFeNi, respectively. Both type of HEAs coatings exhibited anisotropic mechanical behavior due to their lamellar, composite-type microstructure.

Method of forming a leak proof plasma sprayed interconnection layer on an electrode of an electrochemical cell

DOEpatents

Kuo, L.J.H.; Vora, S.D.

1995-02-21

A dense, substantially gas-tight, electrically conductive interconnection layer is formed on an electrode structure of an electrochemical cell by: (A) providing an electrode structure; (B) forming on a selected portion of the electrode surface, an interconnection layer having the general formula La{sub 1{minus}x}M{sub x}Cr{sub 1{minus}y}N{sub y}O{sub 3}, where M is a dopant selected from the group of Ca, Sr, Ba, and mixtures thereof, and where N is a dopant selected from the group of Mg, Co, Ni, Al, and mixtures thereof, and where x and y are each independently about 0.075--0.25, by thermally spraying, preferably plasma arc spraying, a flux added interconnection spray powder, preferably agglomerated, the flux added powder comprising flux particles, preferably including dopant, preferably (CaO){sub 12}(Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}){sub 7} flux particles including Ca and Al dopant, and LaCrO{sub 3} interconnection particles, preferably undoped LaCrO{sub 3}, to form a dense and substantially gas-tight interconnection material bonded to the electrode structure by a single plasma spraying step; and (C) heat treating the interconnection layer at from about 1,200 to 1,350 C to further densify and heal the micro-cracks and macro-cracks of the thermally sprayed interconnection layer. The result is a substantially gas-tight, highly doped, electrically conductive interconnection material bonded to the electrode structure. The electrode structure can be an air electrode, and a solid electrolyte layer can be applied to the unselected portion of the air electrode, and further a fuel electrode can be applied to the solid electrolyte, to form an electrochemical cell for generation of electrical power. 4 figs.

Production of dissolvable microneedles using an atomised spray process: effect of microneedle composition on skin penetration.

PubMed

McGrath, Marie G; Vucen, Sonja; Vrdoljak, Anto; Kelly, Adam; O'Mahony, Conor; Crean, Abina M; Moore, Anne

2014-02-01

Dissolvable microneedles offer an attractive delivery system for transdermal drug and vaccine delivery. They are most commonly formed by filling a microneedle mold with liquid formulation using vacuum or centrifugation to overcome the constraints of surface tension and solution viscosity. Here, we demonstrate a novel microneedle fabrication method employing an atomised spray technique that minimises the effects of the liquid surface tension and viscosity when filling molds. This spray method was successfully used to fabricate dissolvable microneedles (DMN) from a wide range of sugars (trehalose, fructose and raffinose) and polymeric materials (polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and sodium alginate). Fabrication by spraying produced microneedles with amorphous content using single sugar compositions. These microneedles displayed sharp tips and had complete fidelity to the master silicon template. Using a method to quantify the consistency of DMN penetration into different skin layers, we demonstrate that the material of construction significantly influenced the extent of skin penetration. We demonstrate that this spraying method can be adapted to produce novel laminate-layered as well as horizontally-layered DMN arrays. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting the use of an atomising spray, at ambient, mild processing conditions, to create dissolvable microneedle arrays that can possess novel, laminate layering. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electron-emission characteristics of tungsten alloys: Mee 492. [No data; plasma anode tube

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moon, H.M.

A plasma-anode tube was constructed to investigate the electron-emission characteristics for rhenium, 1% thorium tungsten, and 2% thorium tungsten. The tube consists of cathode, anode, cesium reservoir, and three probes. Inside of tube is a rough vacuum by using a Varian liquid-nitrogen-cooled cryovalve and further vacuum by using a Varian absorption pumpt to 4 X IO/sup -5/ pa. The tube was sealed off from the vacuum pump after the cesium ampoule was broken. The entire plasma-anode tube except the cesiunm reservoir was placed in a Blue M Electric Company furnace whose door had been modified to permit viewing of themore » tube.« less

Effect of particle in-flight behavior on the composition of thermal barrier coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, L.; Bai, Y.; Tang, J. J.; Liu, K.; Ding, C. H.; Yang, J. F.; Han, Z. H.

2013-12-01

In this work, 6 to 11 mol% YO1.5-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings were deposited by supersonic and conventional atmospheric plasma spraying. During spraying, the surface temperature and velocity of in-flight particles were monitored by Spray Watch 2i on-line system. The phase composition of as-sprayed coatings was analyzed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Lattice parameters, tetragonality and the content of YO1.5 (mol%) of as-sprayed coatings were calculated according to the position of (0 0 4) and (4 0 0) diffraction peaks. It was found that the as-sprayed coatings were composed of metastable non-transformable tetragonal phase (t‧). However, the amount of YO1.5 (mol%) in the as-sprayed coatings decreased with the increase of melting index of in-flight particles due to the partial evaporation of YO1.5 during spraying.

Load responsive multilayer insulation performance testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dye, S.; Kopelove, A.; Mills, G. L.

2014-01-01

Cryogenic insulation designed to operate at various pressures from one atmosphere to vacuum, with high thermal performance and light weight, is needed for cryogenically fueled space launch vehicles and aircraft. Multilayer insulation (MLI) performs well in a high vacuum, but the required vacuum shell for use in the atmosphere is heavy. Spray-on foam insulation (SOFI) is often used in these systems because of its light weight, but can have a higher heat flux than desired. We report on the continued development of Load Responsive Multilayer Insulation (LRMLI), an advanced thermal insulation system that uses dynamic beam discrete spacers that provide high thermal performance both in atmosphere and vacuum. LRMLI consists of layers of thermal radiation barriers separated and supported by micromolded polymer spacers. The spacers have low thermal conductance, and self-support a thin, lightweight vacuum shell that provides internal high vacuum in the insulation. The dynamic load responsive spacers compress to support the external load of a vacuum shell in one atmosphere, and decompress under reduced atmospheric pressure for lower heat leak. Structural load testing was performed on the spacers with various configurations. LRMLI was installed on a 400 liter tank and boil off testing with liquid nitrogen performed at various chamber pressures from one atmosphere to high vacuum. Testing was also performed with an MLI blanket on the outside of the LRMLI.

Investigations Of A Pulsed Cathodic Vacuum Arc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oates, T. W. H.; Pigott, J.; Denniss, P.; Mckenzie, D. R.; Bilek, M. M. M.

2003-06-01

Cathodic vacuum arcs are well established as a method for producing thin films for coatings and as a source of metal ions. Research into DC vacuum arcs has been going on for over ten years in the School of Physics at the University of Sydney. Recently a project was undertaken in the school to design and build a pulsed CVA for use in the investigation of plasma sheaths and plasma immersion ion implantation. Pulsed cathodic vacuum arcs generally have a higher current and plasma density and also provide a more stable and reproducible plasma density than their DC counterparts. Additionally it has been shown that if a high repetition frequency can be established the deposition rate of pulsed arcs is equal to or greater than that of DC arcs with a concomitant reduction in the rate of macro-particle formation. We present here results of our investigations into the building of a center-triggered pulsed cathodic vacuum arc. The design of the power supply and trigger mechanism and the geometry of the anode and cathode are examined. Observations of type I and II arc spots using a CCD camera, and cathode spot velocity dependence on arc current will be presented. The role of retrograde motion in a high current pulsed arc is discussed.

Thermal barrier coating life-prediction model development. Annual report no. 2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Strangman, T. E.; Neumann, J.; Liu, A.

1986-10-01

The program focuses on predicting the lives of two types of strain-tolerant and oxidation-resistant thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems that are produced by commercial coating suppliers to the gas turbine industry. The plasma-sprayed TBC system, composed of a low-pressure plasma-spray (LPPS) or an argon shrouded plasma-spray (ASPS) applied oxidation resistant NiCrAlY or (CoNiCrAlY) bond coating and an air-plasma-sprayed yttria partially stabilized zirconia insulative layer, is applied by both Chromalloy, Klock, and Union Carbide. The second type of TBS is applied by the electron beam-physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) process by Temescal. The second year of the program was focused on specimenmore » procurement, TMC system characterization, nondestructive evaluation methods, life prediction model development, and TFE731 engine testing of thermal barrier coated blades. Materials testing is approaching completion. Thermomechanical characterization of the TBC systems, with toughness, and spalling strain tests, was completed. Thermochemical testing is approximately two-thirds complete. Preliminary materials life models for the bond coating oxidation and zirconia sintering failure modes were developed. Integration of these life models with airfoil component analysis methods is in progress. Testing of high pressure turbine blades coated with the program TBS systems is in progress in a TFE731 turbofan engine. Eddy current technology feasibility was established with respect to nondestructively measuring zirconia layer thickness of a TBC system.« less

Design of Experiment Analysis of the Sulzer Metco DJ High Velocity Oxy-Fuel Coating of Hydroxyapatite for Orthopedic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasan, S.; Stokes, J.

2011-01-01

High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) has the potential to produce hydroxyapatite (HA; Bio-ceramic) coatings based on its experience with other sprayed ceramic materials. This technique should offer mechanical and biological results comparable to other thermal spraying processes, such as atmospheric plasma thermal spray, currently FDA approved for HA deposition. Deposition of HA via HVOF is a new venture especially using the Sulzer Metco Diamond Jet (DJ) process, and the aim of this article was to establish this technique's potential in providing superior HA coating results compared to the FDA-approved plasma spray technique. In this research, a Design of Experiment (DOE) model was developed to optimize the Sulzer Metco DJ HVOF process for the deposition of HA. In order to select suitable ranges for the production of HA coatings, the parameters were first investigated. Five parameters (factors) were researched over two levels namely: oxygen flow rate, propylene flow rate, air flow rate, spray distance, and powder flow rate. Coating crystallinity and purity were measured at the surface of each sample as the responses to the factors used. The research showed that propylene, air flow rate, spray distance, and powder feed rate had the largest effect on the responses, and the study aimed to find the preferred optimized settings to achieve high crystallinity and purity of percentages of up to 95%. This research found crystallinity and purity values of 93.8 and 99.8%, respectively, for a set of HVOF parameters which showed improvement compared to the crystallinity and purity values of 87.6 and 99.4%, respectively, found using the FDA-approved Sulzer Metco Atmospheric Plasma thermal spray process. Hence, a new technique for HA deposition now exists using the DJ HVOF facility; however, other mechanical and biorelated properties must also be assessed.

Characterization and durability testing of plasma-sprayed zirconia-yttria and hafnia-yttria thermal barrier coatings. Part 1: Effect of spray parameters on the performance of several lots of partially stabilized zirconia-yttria powder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Robert A.; Leissler, George W.; Jobe, J. Marcus

1993-01-01

Initial experiments conducted on thermal barrier coatings prepared in the newly upgraded research plasma spray facility and the burner rig test facilities are discussed. Part 1 discusses experiments which establish the spray parameters for three baseline zirconia-yttria coatings. The quality of five similar coating lots was judged primarily by their response to burner rig exposure supplemented by data from other sources such as specimen characterizations and thermal diffusivity measurements. After allowing for burner rig variability, although there appears to be an optimum density (i.e., optimum microstructure) for maximum burner rig life, the distribution tends to be rather broad about the maximum. In Part 2, new hafnia-yttria-based coatings were evaluated against both baseline and alternate zirconia-yttria coatings. The hafnia-yttria coatings and the zirconia-yttria coatings that were prepared by an alternate powder vendor were very sensitive to plasma spray parameters, in that high-quality coatings were only obtained when certain parameters were employed. The reasons for this important observation are not understood. Also not understood is that the first of two replicate specimens sprayed for Part 1 consistently performed better than the second specimen. Subsequent experiments did not display this spray order affect, possibly because a chiller was installed in the torch cooling water circuit. Also, large changes in coating density were observed after switching to a new lot of electrodes. Analyses of these findings were made possible, in part, because of the development of a sensitive density measurement technique described herein in detail. The measured thermal diffusivities did not display the expected strong relationship with porosity. This surprising result was believed to have been caused by increased microcracking of the denser coatings on the stainless steel substrates.

Toroidal band limiter for a plasma containment device

DOEpatents

Kelley, George G.

1978-01-01

This invention relates to a toroidal plasma confinement device having poloidal and toroidal magnetic fields for confining a toroidal plasma column with a plasma current induced therein along an endless, circular equilibrium axis in a torus vacuum cavity wherein the improvement comprises the use of a toroidal plasma band limiter mounted within the vacuum cavity in such a manner as to ensure that the plasma energy is distributed more uniformly over the limiter surface thereby avoiding intense local heating of the limiter while at the same time substantially preventing damage to the plasma containment wall of the cavity by the energetic particles diffusing out from the confined plasma. A plurality of poloidal plasma ring limiters are also utilized for containment wall protection during any disruptive instability that might occur during operation of the device.

Inactivation of Escherichia coli on blueberries using cold plasma with chemical augmentation inside a partial vacuum

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Justification: The mechanism by which cold plasma inactivates pathogens is through the production of free reactive chemical species. Unfortunately, the most reactive chemical species have the shortest half-life. In a vacuum their half-life is believed to be prolonged. Additionally, these reactive sp...

Vision-aided Monitoring and Control of Thermal Spray, Spray Forming, and Welding Processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agapakis, John E.; Bolstad, Jon

1993-01-01

Vision is one of the most powerful forms of non-contact sensing for monitoring and control of manufacturing processes. However, processes involving an arc plasma or flame such as welding or thermal spraying pose particularly challenging problems to conventional vision sensing and processing techniques. The arc or plasma is not typically limited to a single spectral region and thus cannot be easily filtered out optically. This paper presents an innovative vision sensing system that uses intense stroboscopic illumination to overpower the arc light and produce a video image that is free of arc light or glare and dedicated image processing and analysis schemes that can enhance the video images or extract features of interest and produce quantitative process measures which can be used for process monitoring and control. Results of two SBIR programs sponsored by NASA and DOE and focusing on the application of this innovative vision sensing and processing technology to thermal spraying and welding process monitoring and control are discussed.

High Temperature Multilayer Environmental Barrier Coatings Deposited Via Plasma Spray-Physical Vapor Deposition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harder, Bryan James; Zhu, Dongming; Schmitt, Michael P.; Wolfe, Douglas E.

2014-01-01

Si-based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) require environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) in combustion environments to avoid rapid material loss. Candidate EBC materials have use temperatures only marginally above current technology, but the addition of a columnar oxide topcoat can substantially increase the durability. Plasma Spray-Physical Vapor Deposition (PS-PVD) allows application of these multilayer EBCs in a single process. The PS-PVD technique is a unique method that combines conventional thermal spray and vapor phase methods, allowing for tailoring of thin, dense layers or columnar microstructures by varying deposition conditions. Multilayer coatings were deposited on CMC specimens and assessed for durability under high heat flux and load. Coated samples with surface temperatures ranging from 2400-2700F and 10 ksi loads using the high heat flux laser rigs at NASA Glenn. Coating morphology was characterized in the as-sprayed condition and after thermomechanical loading using electron microscopy and the phase structure was tracked using X-ray diffraction.

Studies on corrosion resistance and bio-activity of plasma spray deposited hydroxylapatite (HA) based TiO2 and ZrO2 dispersed composite coatings on titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) and the same after post spray heat treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumari, Renu; Majumdar, Jyotsna Dutta

2017-10-01

In the present study, the effect of plasma spray deposited hydroxylapatite (HA) based TiO2 dispersed (HA + 50 wt.% TiO2), coating and post spray heat treatment to be referred as HA-TiO2 (heat treated at 650 °C for 2 h) and ZrO2 dispersed (HA + 10 wt.% ZrO2), to be referred as HA-ZrO2 coating (heat treated at 750 °C for 2 h) on corrosion resistance and bioactivity of Ti-6Al-4V substrate has been undertaken. There is partial decomposition of HA to tri-calcium-phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) and formation of CaTiO3 phase in HA-TiO2 coating and CaZrO3 phase in the HA-ZrO2 coating. Corrosion study in Hank's solution shows that there is shifting of corrosion potential (Ecorr) towards active potential (-1.1 V(SCE) for as-sprayed and post spray heat treated HA-TiO2 coating, -1.1 V(SCE) for as-sprayed HA-ZrO2 coating and -1 V(SCE) for HA-ZO2 coating after post spray heat treatment), and deterioration in pitting corrosion (Epit) resistance in as-sprayed coatings and the same after heat treatment (-0.7 V(SCE) for both HA-TiO2 and HA-ZrO2 coating as compared to as received substrate (-0.3 V(SCE)). The corrosion rate was increased for both the coatings with a maximum increase in HA-ZrO2 coating. Bioactivity test shows a higher degree of apatite deposition in as-sprayed coating and the same after heat treatment as compared to as received Ti-6Al-4V though the as-sprayed one showed a superior behavior.

Characterization of pulsed metallic hydride vacuum arc discharge plasmas by optical emission spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Jian; Deng, Chunfeng; Wu, Chunlei; Lu, Biao; Hu, Yonghong

2017-12-01

The characteristics of plasmas in a titanium hydride vacuum arc ion source were experimentally investigated by a temporally- and spatially-integrated optical emission spectroscopy method. A plasma emission spectral fitting model was developed to calculate the plasmas temperature and relative density of each particle component, assuming plasmas were in local thermodynamic equilibrium state and optical thin in this study. The good agreement was founded between the predicted and measured spectra in the interesting regions of 330-340 nm and 498-503 nm for Ti+ ion and Ti atom respectively, while varying the plasma temperature and density. Compared with conventional Boltzmann plot method, this method, therefore, made a significant improvement on the plasma diagnosis in dealing with the spectral profile with many lines overlapped. At the same time, to understand the mechanism of the occluded-gas vacuum arc discharge plasmas, the plasmas emission spectra, ion relative density, and temperature with different discharge conditions were studied. The results indicated that the rate of Ti metal evaporation and H desorption from the electrode would be enhanced with arc current, and the ionization temperature increased with the feed-in power of arc discharge, leading more H+ and Ti+ ions, but reducing the H+ proportion in arc discharged plasmas.

Plasma Propulsion Testing Capabilities at Arnold Engineering Development Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A.; Dawbarn, Albert; Moeller, Trevor

2007-01-01

This paper describes the results of a series of experiments aimed at quantifying the plasma propulsion testing capabilities of a 12-ft diameter vacuum facility (12V) at USAF-Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC). Vacuum is maintained in the 12V facility by cryogenic panels lining the interior of the chamber. The pumping capability of these panels was shown to be great enough to support plasma thrusters operating at input electrical power >20 kW. In addition, a series of plasma diagnostics inside the chamber allowed for measurement of plasma parameters at different spatial locations, providing information regarding the chamber's effect on the global plasma thruster flowfield. The plasma source used in this experiment was Hall thruster manufactured by Busek Co. The thruster was operated at up to 20 kW steady-state power in both a lower current and higher current mode. The vacuum level in the chamber never rose above 9 x 10(exp -6) torr during the course of testing. Langmuir probes, ion flux probes, and Faraday cups were used to quantify the plasma parameters in the chamber. We present the results of these measurements and estimates of pumping speed based on the background pressure level and thruster propellant mass flow rate.

Study of the spray to globular transition in gas metal arc welding: a spectroscopic investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valensi, F.; Pellerin, S.; Castillon, Q.; Boutaghane, A.; Dzierzega, K.; Zielinska, S.; Pellerin, N.; Briand, F.

2013-06-01

The gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process is strongly influenced by the composition of the shielding gas. In particular, addition of CO2 increases the threshold current for the transition from unstable globular to more stable spray transfer mode. We report on the diagnostics—using optical emission spectroscopy—of a GMAW plasma in pure argon and in mixtures of argon, CO2 and N2 while operated in spray and globular transfer modes. The spatially resolved plasma parameters are obtained by applying the Abel transformation to laterally integrated emission data. The Stark widths of some iron lines are used to determine both electron density and temperature, and line intensities yield relative contents of neutral and ionized iron to argon. Our experimental results indicate a temperature drop on the arc axis in the case of spray arc transfer. This drop reduces with addition of N2 and disappears in globular transfer mode when CO2 is added. Despite the temperature increase, the electron density decreases with CO2 concentration. The highest concentration of iron is observed in the plasma column upper part (close to the anode) and for GMAW with CO2. Our results are compared with recently published works where the effect of non-homogeneous metal vapour concentration has been taken into account.

Characterization of Microstructure and Thermal Properties of YSZ Coatings Obtained by Axial Suspension Plasma Spraying (ASPS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganvir, Ashish; Curry, Nicholas; Björklund, Stefan; Markocsan, Nicolaie; Nylén, Per

2015-10-01

The paper aims at demonstrating various microstructures which can be obtained using the suspension spraying technique and their respective significance in enhancing the thermal insulation property of a thermal barrier coating. Three different types of coating microstructures are discussed which were produced by the Axial Suspension Plasma Spraying. Detailed characterization of coatings was then performed. Optical and scanning electron microscopy were utilized for microstructure evaluations; x-ray diffraction for phase analysis; water impregnation, image analysis, and mercury intrusion porosimetry for porosity analysis, and laser flash analysis for thermal diffusivity measurements were used. The results showed that Axial Suspension Plasma Spraying can generate vertically cracked, porous, and feathery columnar-type microstructures. Pore size distribution was found in micron, submicron, and nanometer range. Higher overall porosity, the lower density of vertical cracks or inter-column spacing, and higher inter-pass porosity favored thermal insulation property of the coating. Significant increase in thermal diffusivity and conductivity was found at higher temperature, which is believed to be due to the pore rearrangement (sintering and pore coarsening). Thermal conductivity values for these coatings were also compared with electron beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD) thermal barrier coatings from the literature and found to be much lower.

High-power hybrid plasma spraying of large yttria-stabilized zirconia powder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Heji; Eguchi, Keisuke; Yoshida, Toyonobu

2006-03-01

To testify to the advantage of large ceramic powder spraying, numerical simulations and experimental studies on the behavior of large yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder in a high-power hybrid plasma spraying process have been carried out. Numeric predictions and experimental results showed that, with the high radio frequency (RF) input power of 100 kW, the most refractory YSZ powder with particle sizes as large as 88 μm could be fully melted and well-flattened splats could be formed. A large degree of flattening (ξ) of 4.7 has been achieved. The improved adhesive strength between the large splat and the substrate was confirmed based on the measurement of the crack density inside of the splats. A thick YSZ coating >300 μm was successfully deposited on a large CoNiCrAlY-coated Inconel substrate (50×50×4 mm in size). The ultradense microstructure without clear boundaries between the splats and the clean and crack-free interface between the top-coat and the bond-coat also indicate the good adhesion. These results showed that highpower hybrid plasma spraying of large ceramic powder is a very promising process for deposition of highquality coatings, especially in the application of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs).

Chemical Stability and Biological Properties of Plasma-Sprayed CaO-SiO2-ZrO2 Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Ying; Xie, Youtao; Ji, Heng; Huang, Liping; Zheng, Xuebin

2010-12-01

In this work, calcia-stabilized zirconia powders were coated by silica derived from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) hydrolysis. After calcining at 1400 °C, decalcification of calcia-stabilized zirconia by silica occurred and powders composed of Ca2SiO4, ZrO2, and CaZrO3 were prepared. We produced three kinds of powders with different Ca2SiO4 contents [20 wt.% (denoted as CZS2), 40 wt.% (denoted as CZS4), and 60 wt.% (denoted as CZS6)]. The obtained powders were sprayed onto Ti-6Al-4V substrates using atmospheric plasma spraying. The microstructure of the powders and coatings were analyzed. The dissolution rates of the coatings were assessed by monitoring the ions release and mass losses after immersion in Tris-HCl buffer solution. Results showed that the chemical stability of the coatings were significantly improved compared with pure calcium silicate coatings, and increased with the increase of Zr contents. The CZS4 coating showed not only good apatite-formation ability in simulated body fluid, but also well attachment and proliferation capability for the canine bone marrow stem cells. Results presented here indicate that plasma-sprayed CZS4 coating has medium dissolution rate and good biological properties, suggesting its potential use as bone implants.

Automated Plasma Spray (APS) process feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fetheroff, C. W.; Derkacs, T.; Matay, I. M.

1981-01-01

An automated plasma spray (APS) process was developed to apply two layer (NiCrAlY and ZrO2-12Y2O3) thermal barrier coatings to aircraft and stationary gas turbine engine blade airfoils. The APS process hardware consists of four subsystems: a mechanical positioning subsystem incorporating two interlaced six degree of freedom assemblies (one for coating deposition and one for coating thickness monitoring); a noncoherent optical metrology subsystem (for in process gaging of the coating thickness buildup at specified points on the specimen); a microprocessor based adaptive system controller (to achieve the desired overall thickness profile on the specimen); and commerical plasma spray equipment. Over fifty JT9D first stage aircraft turbine blade specimens, ten W501B utility turbine blade specimens and dozens of cylindrical specimens were coated with the APS process in preliminary checkout and evaluation studies. The best of the preliminary turbine blade specimens achieved an overall coating thickness uniformity of 53 micrometers (2.1 mils), much better than is achievable manually. Comparative evaluations of coating thickness uniformity for manually sprayed and APS coated specimens were performed. One of the preliminary turbine blade evaluation specimens was subjected to a torch test and metallographic evaluation. Some cylindrical specimens coated with the APS process survived up to 2000 cycles in subsequent burner rig testing.

Characterization of Ni-YSZ anodes for solid oxide fuel cells fabricated by suspension plasma spraying with axial feedstock injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Metcalfe, Craig; Kuhn, Joel; Kesler, Olivera

2013-12-01

Composite Ni-Y0.15Zr0.85O1.925 anodes were fabricated by axial-injection suspension plasma spraying in open atmosphere conditions. The composition of the anode is controllable by adjustment of the plasma gas composition, stand-off distance, and suspension feed rate. The total porosity is controllable through the addition of carbon black to the suspension as a sacrificial pore-forming material as well as by adjustment of the suspension feed rate. The size of the NiO particles in suspension affects both the composition and total porosity, with larger NiO particles leading to increased Ni content and porosity in the deposited coatings. The surface roughness increases with a decrease of the in-flight droplet momentum, which results from both smaller NiO particles in suspension and the addition of low density pore-forming materials. A solid oxide fuel cell was fabricated with both electrodes and electrolyte fabricated by axial-injection plasma spraying. Peak power densities of 0.718 W cm-2 and 1.13 W cm-2 at 750 °C and 850 °C, respectively, were achieved.

Studies of Plasma-Sprayed Alumina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilavsky, Jan

1994-05-01

Phase transformations and porosity of the plasma sprayed alumina deposits were examined. The dependence of the phase transformations on deposit chemistry was established. Porosity changes during heat treatment were studied and a model for the porosity is proposed. A novel technique in the field of plasma sprayed deposits--small-angle neutron scattering (SANS)--was successfully applied. Deposits were manufactured using the water-stabilized plasma spray system, PAL160, with an input of 160 kW. Phase transformations of the plasma sprayed alumina deposits were studied using XRD and DTA. The deposits were manufactured from 99.9% alumina, alumina-chromia (1.5% Cr_2O_3), gray alumina (3.7% TiO_2) and alumina -titania (17% TiO_2). The addition of chromia increases the temperature of the alpha phase formation by about 40^circ C and the addition of TiO_2 reduces this temperature by about 150^circ C for gray alumina and by about 175^ circC for alumina-titania. The amount of metastable theta phase was found to depend on the chemistry of the feedstock. Porosities of the deposits, made from alumina and gray alumina, were studied using mercury intrusion porosimetry, weighing method (Archimedean porosimetry), image analysis and SANS. Samples were studied in the as -sprayed condition and after heat treatment for 2 hours at 1300^circC and 1500 ^circC. Porosity depends on the deposit chemistry and on the heat treatment and varies from 5% to about 11%. Different porosity measurement techniques yield different results. Surface areas of 1.5 to 7.5 times 10^4 cm^2 /cm^3 (times 10^6 m^{ -1}) were measured using SANS and depend on heat treatment and on the deposit chemistry. The phase transformations can be associated with an increase in pore surface area and decrease in surface area at 1500 ^circC can be associated with sintering. The effective pore radius, R_{ rm eff}, as measured by SANS is a measure of the pore sizes in the 0.08 to 10 μm size range. The R_{rm eff} depends on deposit chemistry and is about 0.7 to 0.9 μm for all deposits, but the gray alumina deposit, heat treated at 1500^ circC for 2h, exhibits an R_ {rm eff} of 2.2 mu m. This increase can be associated with sintering.

Effects of arc current on the life in burner rig thermal cycling of plasma sprayed ZrOsub2-Ysub2Osub3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hendricks, R. C.; Mcdonald, G.

1982-01-01

An analysis of thermal cycle life data for four sets of eight thermal barrier coated specimens representing arc currents (plasma gun power) of 525, 600, 800, or 950 amps is presented. The ZrO2-8Y2O3/NiCrAlY plasma spray coated Rene 41 rods were thermal cycled to 1040 C in a Mach 0.3-Jet A/air burner flame. The experimental results indicate the existance of a minimum or threshold power level which coating life expectancy is less than 500 cycles. Above the threshold power level, coating life expectancy more than doubles and increases with arc current.

Effects of arc current on the life in burner rig thermal cycling of plasma sprayed ZrOsub2-Ysub2Osub3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hendricks, R. C.; McDonald, G.

1982-02-01

An analysis of thermal cycle life data for four sets of eight thermal barrier coated specimens representing arc currents (plasma gun power) of 525, 600, 800, or 950 amps is presented. The ZrO2-8Y2O3/NiCrAlY plasma spray coated Rene 41 rods were thermal cycled to 1040 C in a Mach 0.3-Jet A/air burner flame. The experimental results indicate the existance of a minimum or threshold power level which coating life expectancy is less than 500 cycles. Above the threshold power level, coating life expectancy more than doubles and increases with arc current.

Effects of the precursor concentration and different annealing ambients on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of nanostructured V2O5 thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irani, Rowshanak; Rozati, Seyed Mohammad; Beke, Szabolcs

2018-04-01

V2O5 thin films were deposited with different precursor concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 M on glass substrates by spray pyrolysis technique, then the optimized films were annealed in different ambients (air, oxygen, and vacuum). The results showed that by increasing the concentration, the films grew along the (001) direction with an orthorhombic structure. Field emission scanning electron microscopy showed that nanorods were formed when depositing 0.05 molar of VCl3. We conclude that with the precursor concentration, the surface nanostructure can be well-controlled. Annealing improved the crystallinity under all ambients, but the best crystallinity was achieved in vacuum. It was revealed that the as-deposited films had the highest transmission, whereas the films annealed in air had the lowest. When annealed in air, the optical band gap decreased from 2.45 to 2.32 eV. The sheet resistance, resistivity, mobility, conductivity, and carrier concentration were measured for all the prepared V2O5 films.

31-mode piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer with PZT thick film by granule spraying in vacuum process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Joontaek; Annapureddy, Venkateswarlu; Hwang, Geon-Tae; Song, Youngsup; Lee, Wonjun; Kang, Woojin; Ryu, Jungho; Choi, Hongsoo

2017-05-01

A piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) is an ideal device for portable medical diagnosis systems, intravascular ultrasound systems, and ultrasonic cameras because of its favorable characteristics including small size, acoustic impedance matching with the body, low power consumption, and simple integration with the systems. Despite these advantages, practical applications are limited because of insufficient acoustic pressure of the pMUT caused by the thin active piezoelectric layer. Here, we report the fabrication of a thick piezoelectric Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) film-based pMUT device having high deflection at low driving voltage using the granule spraying in vacuum (GSV) process. Pre-patterned high-density thick (exceeding 8 μm) PZT films were grown on 6-inch-diameter Si/SiO2/Ti/Pt silicon-on-insulator wafers at room temperature at a high deposition rate of ˜5 μm min-1. The fabrication process using the proposed GSV process was simple and fast, and the deflection of the pMUT exhibited a high value of 0.8 μm.

Simulation on change of generic satellite radar cross section via artificially created plasma sprays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Shen Shou Max; Chuang, Yu-Chou

2016-06-01

Recent advancements in antisatellite missile technologies have proven the effectiveness of such attacks, and the vulnerability of satellites in such exercises inspires a new paradigm in RF Stealth techniques suitable for satellites. In this paper we examine the possibility of using artificially created plasma sprays on the surface of the satellite’s main body to alter its radar cross section (RCS). First, we briefly review past research related to RF Stealth using plasma. Next, we discuss the physics between electromagnetic waves and plasma, and the RCS number game in RF Stealth design. A comparison of RCS in a generic satellite and a more complicated model is made to illustrate the effect of the RCS number game, and its meaning for a simulation model. We also run a comparison between finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) and multilevel fast multipole method (MLFMM) codes, and find the RCS results are very close. We then compare the RCS of the generic satellite and the plasma-covered satellite. The incident radar wave is a differentiated Gaussian monopulse, with 3 dB bandwidth between 1.2 GHz and 4 GHz, and we simulate three kinds of plasma density, with a characteristic plasma frequency ω P  =  0.1, 1, and 10 GHz. The electron-neutral collision frequency ν en is set at 0.01 GHz. We found the RCS of plasma-covered satellite is not necessarily smaller than the originally satellite. When ω P is 0.1 GHz, the plasma spray behaves like a dielectric, and there is minor reduction in the RCS. When ω P is 1 GHz, the X-Y cut RCS increases. When ω P is 10 GHz, the plasma behaves more like a metal to the radar wave, and stronger RCS dependency to frequency appears. Therefore, to use plasma as an RCS adjustment tool requires careful fine-tuning of plasma density and shape, in order to achieve the so-called plasma stealth effect.

Commissioning and experimental validation of SST-1 plasma facing components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paravastu, Yuvakiran; Raval, Dilip; Khan, Ziauddin; Patel, Hitesh; Biswas, Prabal; Parekh, Tejas; George, Siju; Santra, Prosenjit; Ramesh, Gattu; ArunPrakash, A.; Thankey, Prashant; Semwal, Pratibha; Dhanani, Kalpeshkumar R.; Jaiswal, Snehal; Chauhan, Pradeep; Pradhan, Subrata

2017-04-01

Plasma facing components of SST-1 are designed to withstand an input heat load of 1.0 MW/m2. They protect vacuum vessel, auxiliary heating source i.e. RF antennas, NBI and other in-vessel diagnostic from the plasma particles and high radiative heat loads. PFC’s are positioned symmetric to mid-plane to accommodate with circular, single and double null configuration. Graphite is used as plasma facing material, back made of copper alloy and SS cooling/baking tubes are brazed on copper alloy back plates for efficient heat removal of incident heat flux. Benchmarking of PFC assembly was first carried out in prototype vacuum vessel of SST-1 to develop understanding and methodology of co-ordinate measurements. Based on such hands-on-experience, the final assembly of PFC’s in vacuum vessel of SST-1 was carried out. Initially, PFC’s are to be baked at 250 °C for wall conditioning followed with cooling for heat removal of incident heat flux during long pulse plasma operation. For this purpose, the supply and return headers are designed and installed inside the vacuum vessel in such a way that it will cater water as well as hot nitrogen gas depending up on the cycle. This paper will discuss the successful installation of PFC’s and its plasma operation respecting all design criteria.

Ionization Suppression and Recovery in Direct Biofluid Analysis Using Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vega, Carolina; Spence, Corina; Zhang, Chengsen; Bills, Brandon J.; Manicke, Nicholas E.

2016-04-01

Paper spray mass spectrometry is a method for the direct analysis of biofluid samples in which extraction of analytes from dried biofluid spots and electrospray ionization occur from the paper on which the dried sample is stored. We examined matrix effects in the analysis of small molecule drugs from urine, plasma, and whole blood. The general method was to spike stable isotope labeled analogs of each analyte into the spray solvent, while the analyte itself was in the dried biofluid. Intensity of the labeled analog is proportional to ionization efficiency, whereas the ratio of the analyte intensity to the labeled analog in the spray solvent is proportional to recovery. Ion suppression and recovery were found to be compound- and matrix-dependent. Highest levels of ion suppression were obtained for poor ionizers (e.g., analytes lacking basic aliphatic amine groups) in urine and approached -90%. Ion suppression was much lower or even absent for good ionizers (analytes with aliphatic amines) in dried blood spots. Recovery was generally highest in urine and lowest in blood. We also examined the effect of two experimental parameters on ion suppression and recovery: the spray solvent and the sample position (how far away from the paper tip the dried sample was spotted). Finally, the change in ion suppression and analyte elution as a function of time was examined by carrying out a paper spray analysis of dried plasma spots for 5 min by continually replenishing the spray solvent.

RF Frequency Oscillations in the Early Stages of Vacuum Arc Collapse

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Griffin, Steven T.; Thio, Y. C. Francis

2003-01-01

RF frequency oscillations may be produced in a typical capacitive charging / discharging pulsed power system. These oscillations may be benign, parasitic, destructive or crucial to energy deposition. In some applications, proper damping of oscillations may be critical to proper plasma formation. Because the energy deposited into the plasma is a function of plasma and circuit conditions, the entire plasma / circuit system needs to be considered as a unit To accomplish this, the initiation of plasma is modeled as a time-varying, non-linear element in a circuit analysis model. The predicted spectra are compared to empirical power density spectra including those obtained from vacuum arcs.

Collaborative Research and Development (CR&D). Delivery Order 0014: Anti-Fretting Coatings Research Development

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

properties Deposition Cu / Al in At% Roughness Ra (µm) Nano Hardness (GPa) Modulus (GPa) Thickness (µm) 1 Plasma ≈ 6 ≈ 12 ≈ 1.8 ≈ 89.6 ≈ 300 2... sprayed coatings of different copper to aluminum ( Cu / Al ) ratios and one cathodic arc coating. Bench level gross slip fretting experiments and post...some of Ti6Al4V disks were commercially grit blasted and then plasma sprayed with Al -bronze coatings 1 and 2, which have different Cu / Al

Investigation of Plasma Spray Coatings as an Alternative to Hard Chrome Plating on Internal Surfaces

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-14

low fracture strength, making it prone to cracking. It may be the best option for utility actuators that experience side loads or excessive ID wear...material than WC-12Co, but had the lowest porosity of the plasma spray coatings in initial process development tests, as well as higher fracture ...grind Adhesion Pull 0.013-0.015" 0.008-0.010" 8 microinch Residual stress Almen 0.013-0.015" no grind Strain-to- fracture 4-pt Almen 0.013-0.015

High temperature solar energy absorbing surfaces

DOEpatents

Schreyer, J.M.; Schmitt, C.R.; Abbatiello, L.A.

A solar collector having an improved coating is provided. The coating is a plasma-sprayed coating comprising a material having a melting point above 500/sup 0/C at which it is stable and selected from the group of boron carbide, boron nitride, metals and metal oxides, nitrides, carbides, borides, and silicates. The coatings preferably have a porosity of about 15 to 25% and a thickness of less than 200 micrometers. The coatings can be provided by plasma-spraying particles having a mean diameter of about 10 to 200 micrometers.

Thermal Spraying of Bioactive Polymer Coatings for Orthopaedic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chebbi, A.; Stokes, J.

2012-06-01

Flame sprayed biocompatible polymer coatings, made of biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers, were investigated as single coatings on titanium and as top coatings on plasma sprayed Hydroxyapatite. Biocompatible polymers can act as drug carriers for localized drug release following implantation. The polymer matrix consisted of a biodegradable polymer, polyhydroxybutyrate 98%/ polyhydroxyvalerate 2% (PHBV) and a non-biodegradable polymer, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Screening tests were performed to determine the suitable range of spraying parameters, followed by a Design of Experiments study to determine the effects of spraying parameters on coating characteristics (thickness, roughness, adhesion, wettability), and to optimize the coating properties accordingly. Coatings characterization showed that optimized flame sprayed biocompatible polymers underwent little chemical degradation, did not produce acidic by-products in vitro, and that cells proliferated well on their surface.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Frerichs, H.; Reiter, D.; Schmitz, O.

The impact of resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) on the plasma edge can be analyzed in detail by three dimensional computer simulations, which take the underlying magnetic field structure as input. Previously, the 'vacuum approximation' has been used to calculate the magnetic field structure although plasma response effects may result in a screening (or even an amplification) of the external perturbations. Simulation results for an ITER similar shape plasma at the DIII-D tokamak are presented for the full vacuum perturbation field and an ad hoc screening case in comparison to the unperturbed configuration. It is shown that the RMP induced helicalmore » patterns in the plasma edge and on the divertor target shrink once screening is taken into account. However, a flat temperature profile is still found in the 'open field line domain' inside the separatrix, while the 'density pump out effect' found in the vacuum RMP case is considerably weakened.« less

Determination of the plasma effective charge from the soft X-ray spectrum and plasma conductivity at the L-2M stellarator after boronization of the vacuum chamber

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Meshcheryakov, A. I., E-mail: meshch@fpl.gpi.ru; Vafin, I. Yu., E-mail: ildar@fpl.gpi.ru

2016-07-15

Boronization of the vacuum chamber wall results in a considerable change in the composition of the plasma generated in working pulses of the L-2M stellarator and, accordingly, in the plasma effective charge. The paper presents results of measurements of the plasma effective charge carried out by two methods in the ohmic heating mode: from the data on the plasma conductivity and from the soft X-ray spectrum of plasma emission. Comparison of the values of the plasma effective charge obtained by these two methods makes it possible to determine the conditions in which the two values are in good agreement. Undermore » these conditions, the plasma effective charge can be correctly estimated from spectral measurements.« less

Proceedings of the twenty sixth international symposium on discharges and electrical insulation in vacuum. V. 2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

2014-07-01

Vacuum science and technology has made vital contributions in high technology areas like space, high energy particle accelerators, plasma devices, pulse power, electronics, vacuum interrupters, thin films, melting and refining of metals/alloys, extraction and processing of advanced materials. Vacuum discharges, vacuum arc physics and technology and various applications towards vacuum interrupters, pulse power and particle accelerator are the main themes for this symposium. Papers relevant to INIS are indexed separately.

Proceedings of the twenty sixth international symposium on discharges and electrical insulation in vacuum. V. 1

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

2014-07-01

Vacuum science and technology has made vital contributions in high technology areas like space, high energy particle accelerators, plasma devices, pulse power, electronics, vacuum interrupters, thin films, melting and refining of metals/alloys, extraction and processing of advanced materials. Vacuum discharges, vacuum arc physics and technology and various applications towards vacuum interrupters, pulse power and particle accelerator are the main themes for this symposium. Papers relevant to INIS are indexed separately.

Recent advances in vacuum sciences and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mozetič, M.; Ostrikov, K.; Ruzic, D. N.; Curreli, D.; Cvelbar, U.; Vesel, A.; Primc, G.; Leisch, M.; Jousten, K.; Malyshev, O. B.; Hendricks, J. H.; Kövér, L.; Tagliaferro, A.; Conde, O.; Silvestre, A. J.; Giapintzakis, J.; Buljan, M.; Radić, N.; Dražić, G.; Bernstorff, S.; Biederman, H.; Kylián, O.; Hanuš, J.; Miloševič, S.; Galtayries, A.; Dietrich, P.; Unger, W.; Lehocky, M.; Sedlarik, V.; Stana-Kleinschek, K.; Drmota-Petrič, A.; Pireaux, J. J.; Rogers, J. W.; Anderle, M.

2014-04-01

Recent advances in vacuum sciences and applications are reviewed. Novel optical interferometer cavity devices enable pressure measurements with ppm accuracy. The innovative dynamic vacuum standard allows for pressure measurements with temporal resolution of 2 ms. Vacuum issues in the construction of huge ultra-high vacuum devices worldwide are reviewed. Recent advances in surface science and thin films include new phenomena observed in electron transport near solid surfaces as well as novel results on the properties of carbon nanomaterials. Precise techniques for surface and thin-film characterization have been applied in the conservation technology of cultural heritage objects and recent advances in the characterization of biointerfaces are presented. The combination of various vacuum and atmospheric-pressure techniques enables an insight into the complex phenomena of protein and other biomolecule conformations on solid surfaces. Studying these phenomena at solid-liquid interfaces is regarded as the main issue in the development of alternative techniques for drug delivery, tissue engineering and thus the development of innovative techniques for curing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. A review on recent advances in plasma medicine is presented as well as novel hypotheses on cell apoptosis upon treatment with gaseous plasma. Finally, recent advances in plasma nanoscience are illustrated with several examples and a roadmap for future activities is presented.

Research of vacuum polymer film on three-dimension surface (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bau, Yung-Han

2016-09-01

This study focused on UV-curable acrylic hybrid of solute in vacuum-deposited on the surface and make it smooth. On the surface coating of the entire process, including the pre-treatment of organic solutes, vacuum, nozzle pressure, airflow, frequency ratio, the surface of the rotation rate, nozzle angle, UV light irradiation time, waste solute recycling.Organic solutes through a flow meter and precise measured,by high pressure or vibration of a piezoelectric material, spray our organic solute in a certain degree of vacuum,leaving nozzle of tiny micro-mist volatiles in a vacuum to form secondary atomization,deposited our surface,Since no UV light irradiation, the surface is a liquid having fluidity, so the non-planar substrates can have good performance, finally it is irradiated by UV light of sufficient energy solidify to form a solid film.The advantage of this approach is that a smooth surface,Strong adhesion, low-cost equipment, low temperature, a wide range of high deposition rate can be combined with other deposition method,Under vacuum have not waste because excess paint can be recycled.Avoid solute direct contact with human, relative to the environment-friendly.

Intergranular metal phase increases thermal shock resistance of ceramic coating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, H. W.

1966-01-01

Dispersed copper phase increases the thermal shock resistance of a plasma-arc-sprayed coating of zirconia used as a heat barrier on a metal substrate. A small amount of copper is deposited on the granules of the zirconia powder before arc-spraying the resultant powder composite onto the substrate.

Encapsulation of black carrot juice using spray and freeze drying.

PubMed

Murali, S; Kar, Abhijit; Mohapatra, Debabandya; Kalia, Pritam

2015-12-01

Black carrot juice extracted using pectinase enzyme was encapsulated in three different carrier materials (maltodextrin 20DE, gum arabic and tapioca starch) using spray drying at four inlet temperatures (150, 175, 200 and 225 ℃) and freeze drying at a constant temperature of - 53 ℃ and vacuum of 0.22-0.11 mbar with the constant feed mixture. The products were analyzed for total anthocyanin content, antioxidant activity, water solubility index, encapsulation efficiency and total colour change. For both the drying methods followed in this study, maltodextrin 20DE as the carrier material has proven to be better in retaining maximum anthocyanin and antioxidant activity compared to gum arabic and tapioca starch. The best spray dried product, was obtained at 150 ℃. The most acceptable was the freeze dried product with maximum anthocyanin content, antioxidant activity, water solubility index, encapsulation efficiency and colour change. © The Author(s) 2014.

Description of Liquid Nitrogen Experimental Test Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jurns, John M.; Jacobs, Richard E.; Saiyed, Naseem H.

1991-01-01

The Liquid Nitrogen Test Facility is a unique test facility for ground-based liquid nitrogen experimentation. The test rig consists of an insulated tank of approximately 12.5 cubic ft in volume, which is supplied with liquid nitrogen from a 300 gal dewar via a vacuum jacketed piping system. The test tank is fitted with pressure and temperature measuring instrumentation, and with two view ports which allow visual observation of test conditions. To demonstrate the capabilities of the facility, the initial test program is briefly described. The objective of the test program is to measure the condensation rate by injecting liquid nitrogen as a subcooled spray into the ullage of a tank 50 percent full of liquid nitrogen at saturated conditions. The condensation rate of the nitrogen vapor on the subcooled spray can be analytically modeled, and results validated and corrected by experimentally measuring the vapor condensation on liquid sprays.

Description of liquid nitrogen experimental test facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jurns, J. M.; Jacobs, R. E.; Saiyed, N. H.

1992-01-01

The Liquid Nitrogen Test Facility is a unique test facility for ground-based liquid nitrogen experimentation. The test rig consists of an insulated tank of approximately 12.5 cubic ft in volume, which is supplied with liquid nitrogen from a 300 gal dewar via a vacuum jacketed piping system. The test tank is fitted with pressure and temperature measuring instrumentation, and with two view ports which allow visual observation of test conditions. To demonstrate the capabilities of the facility, the initial test program is briefly described. The objective of the test program is to measure the condensation rate by injecting liquid nitrogen as a subcooled spray into the ullage of a tank 50 percent full of liquid nitrogen at saturated conditions. The condensation rate of the nitrogen vapor on the subcooled spray can be analytically modeled, and results validated and corrected by experimentally measuring the vapor condensation on liquid sprays.

Micro-Raman spectroscopy shows how the coating process affects the characteristics of hydroxylapatite.

PubMed

Saber-Samandari, Saeed; Alamara, Kadhim; Saber-Samandari, Samaneh; Gross, Karlis A

2013-12-01

The diversity in the structural and chemical state of apatites allows implant manufacturers to fine-tune implant properties. This requires suitable manufacturing processes and characterization tools to adjust the amorphous phase and hydroxyl content from the source hydroxylapatite. Hydroxylapatite was processed by high-velocity oxy-fuel spraying, plasma spraying and flame spraying, and primarily analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. Investigation of rounded splats, the building blocks of thermal spray coatings, allowed correlation between the visual identity of the splat surface and the Raman spectra. Splats were heat-treated to crystallize any remaining amorphous phase. The ν1 PO4 stretching peak at 950-970 cm(-1) displayed the crystalline order, but the hydroxyl peak at 3572 cm(-1) followed the degree of dehydroxylation. Hydroxyl loss was greatest for flame-sprayed particles, which create the longest residence time for the melted particle. Higher-frequency hydroxyl peaks in flame- and plasma-sprayed splats indicated a lower structural order for the recrystallized hydroxylapatite within the splats. Crystallization at 700 °C has shown potential for revealing hydroxyl ions previously trapped in amorphous calcium phosphate. This work compares Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy to measure the hydroxyl content in rapidly solidified apatites and shows that Raman spectroscopy is more suitable. Copyright © 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plasma spray nozzle with low overspray and collimated flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beason, Jr., George P. (Inventor); McKechnie, Timothy N. (Inventor); Power, Christopher A. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

An improved nozzle for reducing overspray in high temperature supersonic plasma spray devices comprises a body defining an internal passageway having an upstream end and a downstream end through which a selected plasma gas is directed. The nozzle passageway has a generally converging/diverging Laval shape with its upstream end converging to a throat section and its downstream end diverging from the throat section. The upstream end of the passageway is configured to accommodate a high current cathode for producing an electrical arc in the passageway to heat and ionize the gas flow to plasma form as it moves along the passageway. The downstream end of the nozzle is uniquely configured through the methodology of this invention to have a contoured bell-shape that diverges from the throat to the exit of the nozzle. Coating material in powder form is injected into the plasma flow in the region of the bell-shaped downstream end of the nozzle and the powder particles become entrained in the flow. The unique bell shape of the nozzle downstream end produces a plasma spray that is ideally expanded at the nozzle exit and thus virtually free of shock phenomena, and that is highly collimated so as to exhibit significantly reduced fanning and diffusion between the nozzle and the target. The overall result is a significant reduction in the amount of material escaping from the plasma stream in the form of overspray and a corresponding improvement in the cost of the coating operation and in the quality and integrity of the coating itself.

Wear Behavior of Plasma Spray Deposited and Post Heat-Treated Hydroxyapatite (HA)-Based Composite Coating on Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumari, Renu; Majumdar, Jyotsna Dutta

2018-04-01

The present study concerns a detailed evaluation of wear resistance property of plasma spray deposited composite hydroxyapatite (HA)-based (HA-50 wt pct TiO2 and HA-10 wt pct ZrO2) bioactive coatings developed on Ti-6Al-4V substrate and studying the effect of heat treatment on it. Heat treatment of plasma spray deposited samples has been carried out at 650 °C for 2 hours (for HA-50 wt pct TiO2 coating) and at 750 °C for 2 hours (for HA-10 wt pct ZrO2 coating). There is significant deterioration in wear resistance for HA-50 wt pctTiO2 coating and a marginal deterioration in wear resistance for HA-10 wt pct ZrO2 coating in as-sprayed state (as compared to as-received Ti-6Al-4V) which is, however, improved after heat treatment. The coefficient of friction is marginally increased for both HA-50 wt pct TiO2 and HA-10 wt pct ZrO2 coatings in as-sprayed condition as compared to Ti-6Al-4V substrate. However, coefficient of friction is decreased for both HA-50 wt pct TiO2 and HA-10 wt pct ZrO2 coatings after heat-treated condition as compared to Ti-6Al-4V substrate. The maximum improvement in wear resistance property is, however, observed for HA-10 wt pct ZrO2 sample after heat treatment. The mechanism of wear has been investigated.

Solid oxide fuel cell electrolytes produced via very low pressure suspension plasma spray and electrophoretic deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleetwood, James D.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a promising element of comprehensive energy policies due to their direct mechanism for converting the oxidization of fuel, such as hydrogen, into electrical energy. Both very low pressure plasma spray and electrophoretic deposition allow working with high melting temperature SOFC suspension based feedstock on complex surfaces, such as in non-planar SOFC designs. Dense, thin electrolytes of ideal composition for SOFCs can be fabricated with each of these processes, while compositional control is achieved with dissolved dopant compounds that are incorporated into the coating during deposition. In the work reported, sub-micron 8 mole % Y2O3-ZrO2 (YSZ) and gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC), powders, including those in suspension with scandium-nitrate dopants, were deposited on NiO-YSZ anodes, via very low pressure suspension plasma spray (VLPSPS) at Sandia National Laboratories' Thermal Spray Research Laboratory and electrophoretic deposition (EPD) at Purdue University. Plasma spray was carried out in a chamber held at 320 - 1300 Pa, with the plasma composed of argon, hydrogen, and helium. EPD was characterized utilizing constant current deposition at 10 mm electrode separation, with deposits sintered from 1300 -- 1500 °C for 2 hours. The role of suspension constituents in EPD was analyzed based on a parametric study of powder loading, powder specific surface area, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) content, polyethyleneimine (PEI) content, and acetic acid content. Increasing PVB content and reduction of particle specific surface area were found to eliminate the formation of cracks when drying. PEI and acetic acid content were used to control suspension stability and the adhesion of deposits. Additionally, EPD was used to fabricate YSZ/GDC bilayer electrolyte systems. The resultant YSZ electrolytes were 2-27 microns thick and up to 97% dense. Electrolyte performance as part of a SOFC system with screen printed LSCF cathodes was evaluated with peak power densities as high as 520 mW/cm2 at 800 °C for YSZ and 350 mW/cm 2 at 800 °C for YSZ/GDC bilayer electrolytes.

Plasma Spray-Physical Vapor Deposition (PS-PVD) of Ceramics for Protective Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harder, Bryan J.; Zhu, Dongming

2011-01-01

In order to generate advanced multilayer thermal and environmental protection systems, a new deposition process is needed to bridge the gap between conventional plasma spray, which produces relatively thick coatings on the order of 125-250 microns, and conventional vapor phase processes such as electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) which are limited by relatively slow deposition rates, high investment costs, and coating material vapor pressure requirements. The use of Plasma Spray - Physical Vapor Deposition (PS-PVD) processing fills this gap and allows thin (< 10 microns) single layers to be deposited and multilayer coatings of less than 100 microns to be generated with the flexibility to tailor microstructures by changing processing conditions. Coatings of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were applied to NiCrAlY bond coated superalloy substrates using the PS-PVD coater at NASA Glenn Research Center. A design-of-experiments was used to examine the effects of process variables (Ar/He plasma gas ratio, the total plasma gas flow, and the torch current) on chamber pressure and torch power. Coating thickness, phase and microstructure were evaluated for each set of deposition conditions. Low chamber pressures and high power were shown to increase coating thickness and create columnar-like structures. Likewise, high chamber pressures and low power had lower growth rates, but resulted in flatter, more homogeneous layers

Development of tungsten armor and bonding to copper for plasma-interactive components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smid, I.; Akiba, M.; Vieider, G.; Plöchl, L.

1998-10-01

For the highest sputtering threshold of all possible candidates, tungsten will be the most likely armor material in highly loaded plasma-interactive components of commercially relevant fusion reactors. The development of new materials, as well as joining and coating techniques are needed to find the best balance in plasma compatibility, lifetime, reliability, neutron irradiation resistance, and safety. Further important issues for selection are availability, costs of machining and production, etc. Tungsten doped with lanthanum oxide is a commercially available W grade for electrodes, designed for low electron work function, higher recrystallization temperature, reduced secondary grain growth, and machinability at relatively low costs. W-Re and related tungsten base alloys are preferred for application at high temperatures, when high strength, high thermal shock and recrystallization resistance are required. Due to the high costs and limited global availability of Re, however, the amount of such alloys in a commercial reactor should be kept low. Newly measured material properties up to high temperatures are presented for lanthanated and W-Re alloys, and the impact on fusion application is discussed. Recently developed coatings of chemical vapor deposited tungsten (CVD-W) on copper substrates have proven to be resistant to repeated thermal and shock loading. Layers of more than 5 mm, as required for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), became available. Vacuum plasma sprayed tungsten (VPS-W) in particular is attractive for its lower costs, and the potential of in situ repair. However, the advantage of sacrificial plasma-interactive tungsten coatings in long-term fusion devices has yet to be demonstrated. A durable and reliable joining of bulk tungsten to copper is needed to achieve an acceptable component lifetime in a fusion environment. The material properties of the copper alloys proposed for ITER, and their impact on the quality of bonding to tungsten is discussed. Future materials R&D should concern issues such as plasma compatibility, and above all neutron irradiation damage of promising tungsten-copper joints.

Separation of the Magnetic Field into Parts Produced by Internal and External Sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazanja, David

2005-10-01

Given the total magnetic field on a toroidal plasma surface, a method for decomposing the field into a part due to internal currents (often the plasma) and a part due to external currents is presented. The decomposition exploits Laplace theory which is valid in the vacuum region between the plasma surface and the chamber walls. The method does not assume toroidal symmetry, and it is partly based on Merkel's 1986 work on vacuum field computations. A change in the plasma shape is produced by the total normal field perturbation on the plasma surface. This method allows a separation of the total normal field perturbation into a part produced by external currents and a part produced by the plasma response.

Recent Developments in Suspension Plasma Sprayed Titanium Oxide and Hydroxyapatite Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaworski, R.; Pawlowski, L.; Pierlot, C.; Roudet, F.; Kozerski, S.; Petit, F.

2010-01-01

The paper aims at reviewing of the recent studies related to the development of suspension plasma sprayed TiO2 and Ca5(PO4)3OH (hydroxyapatite, HA) coatings as well as their multilayer composites obtained onto stainless steel, titanium and aluminum substrates. The total thickness of the coatings was in the range 10 to 150 μm. The suspensions on the base of distilled water, ethanol and their mixtures were formulated with the use of fine commercial TiO2 pigment crystallized as rutile and HA milled from commercial spray-dried powder or synthesized from calcium nitrate and ammonium phosphate in an optimized reaction. The powder was crystallized as hydroxyapatite. Pneumatic and peristaltic pump liquid feeders were applied. The injection of suspension to the plasma jet was studied carefully with the use of an atomizer injector or a continuous stream one. The injectors were placed outside or inside of the anode-nozzle of the SG-100 plasma torch. The stream of liquid was tested under angle right or slightly backwards with regard to the torch axis. The sprayed deposits were submitted to the phase analysis by the use of x-ray diffraction. The content of anatase and rutile was calculated in the titanium oxide deposits as well as the content of the decomposition phases in the hydroxyapatite ones. The micro-Raman spectroscopy was used to visualize the area of appearance of some phases. Scratch test enabled to characterize the adhesion of the deposits, their microhardness and friction coefficient. The electric properties including electron emission, impedance spectroscopy, and dielectric properties of some coatings were equally tested.

Ultraviolet Light (UV) Inactivation of Porcine Parvovirus in Liquid Plasma and Effect of UV Irradiated Spray Dried Porcine Plasma on Performance of Weaned Pigs

PubMed Central

Polo, Javier; Rodríguez, Carmen; Ródenas, Jesús; Russell, Louis E.; Campbell, Joy M.; Crenshaw, Joe D.; Torrallardona, David; Pujols, Joan

2015-01-01

A novel ultraviolet light irradiation (UV-C, 254 nm) process was designed as an additional safety feature for manufacturing of spray dried porcine plasma (SDPP). In Exp. 1, three 10-L batches of bovine plasma were inoculated with 105.2±0.12 tissue culture infectious dose 50 (TCID50) of porcine parvovirus (PPV) per mL of plasma and subjected to UV-C ranging from 0 to 9180 J/L. No viable PPV was detected in bovine plasma by micro-titer assay in SK6 cell culture after UV-C at 2295 J/L. In Exp. 2, porcine plasma was subjected to UV-C (3672 J/L), then spray dried and mixed in complete mash diets. Diets were a control without SDPP (Control), UV-C SDPP either at 3% (UVSDPP3) or 6% (UVSDPP6) and non-UV-C SDPP at 3% (SDPP3) or 6% (SDPP6). Diets were fed ad libitum to 320 weaned pigs (26 d of age; 16 pens/diet; 4 pigs/pen) for 14 d after weaning and a common diet was fed d 15 to 28. During d 0 to 14, pigs fed UVSDPP3, UVSDPP6, or SDPP6 had higher (P < 0.05) weight gain and feed intake than control. During d 0 to 28, pigs fed UVSDPP3 and UVSDPP6 had higher (P < 0.05) weight gain and feed intake than control and SDPP3, and SDPP6 had higher (P < 0.05) feed intake than control. Also, pigs fed UVSDPP had higher (P < 0.05) weight gain than pigs fed SDPP. In conclusion, UV-C inactivated PPV in liquid plasma and UVSDPP used in pig feed had no detrimental effects on pig performance. PMID:26171968

Wild blueberry polyphenol-protein food ingredients produced by three drying methods: Comparative physico-chemical properties, phytochemical content, and stability during storage.

PubMed

Correia, Roberta; Grace, Mary H; Esposito, Debora; Lila, Mary Ann

2017-11-15

Particulate colloidal aggregate food ingredients were prepared by complexing wheat flour, chickpea flour, coconut flour and soy protein isolate with aqueous wild blueberry pomace extracts, then spray drying, freeze drying, or vacuum oven drying to prepare dry, flour-like matrices. Physico-chemical attributes, phytochemical content and stability during storage were compared. Eighteen anthocyanins peaks were identified for samples. Spray dried matrices produced with soy protein isolate had the highest concentration of polyphenols (156.2mg GAE/g) and anthocyanins (13.4mg/g) and the most potent DPPH scavenging activity (714.1μmolesTE/g). Spray dried blueberry polyphenols complexed with protein were protected from degradation during 16weeks at 4°C and 20°C. Soy protein isolate more efficiently captured and stabilized wild blueberry pomace phytochemicals than other protein sources. Overall, spray drying the blueberry extracts complexed with protein proved to be an environment-friendly strategy to produce stable functional ingredients with multiple applications for the food industry. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of High Performing PEMFC Catalyst-Coated Membranes with a Low Cost Air-Assisted Cylindrical Liquid Jets Spraying System

DOE PAGES

Peng, Xiong; Omasta, Travis; Rigdon, William; ...

2016-11-15

In this paper, a low cost air-assisted cylindrical liquid jets spraying (ACLJS) system was developed to prepare high-performance catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The catalyst ink was flowed from a cylindrical orifice and was atomized by an air stream fed from a coaxial slit and sprayed directly onto the membrane, which was suctioned to a heated aluminum vacuum plate. The CCM pore architecture including size, distribution and volume can be controlled using various flow parameters, and the impact of spraying conditions on electrode structure and PEMFC performance was investigated. CCMs fabricated in the fiber-type break-upmore » regime by ACLJS achieved very high performance during PEMFC testing, with the top-performing cells having a current density greater than 1900 mA/cm 2 at 0.7 V under H 2/O 2 flows and 700 mA/cm 2 under H 2/Air at 1.5 bar(absolute) pressure and 60% gas RH, and 80°C cell temperature.« less

Effects of Y/Gd Ratio and Boron Excess on Vacuum Ultraviolet Characteristics and Morphology of (Y,Gd)BO3:Eu Phosphor Particles Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koo, Hye Young; Jung, Dae Soo; Hong, Seung Kwon; Kang, Yun Chan; Jung, Kyeong Youl

2007-06-01

(Y1-xGdx)BO3:Eu (0≤ x≤ 1) phosphor particles were prepared by spray pyrolysis. The optimal amount of boric acid for the high photoluminescence intensity of there particles differed depending on the molar ratio of Y to Gd. With decreasing Y/Gd molar ratio, an increasing amount of excess boric acid was required. The difference in excess quantity of boric acid, which was demanded for the highest photoluminescence intensity according to the Y/Gd ratio, influenced the morphology and mean size of the (Y,Gd)BO3:Eu phosphor particles. The (Y1-xGdx)BO3:Eu (0≤ x≤ 1) phosphor particles had a regular morphology. The mean sizes of the GdBO3:Eu and YBO3:Eu phosphor particles were 1.4 and 1 μm, respectively. The high reactivity of boron and yttrium components produced YBO3:Eu phosphor particles with high photoluminescence intensities by spray pyrolysis using a spray solution with a stoichiometric amount of boric acid.

Fabrication of High Performing PEMFC Catalyst-Coated Membranes with a Low Cost Air-Assisted Cylindrical Liquid Jets Spraying System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peng, Xiong; Omasta, Travis; Rigdon, William

In this paper, a low cost air-assisted cylindrical liquid jets spraying (ACLJS) system was developed to prepare high-performance catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The catalyst ink was flowed from a cylindrical orifice and was atomized by an air stream fed from a coaxial slit and sprayed directly onto the membrane, which was suctioned to a heated aluminum vacuum plate. The CCM pore architecture including size, distribution and volume can be controlled using various flow parameters, and the impact of spraying conditions on electrode structure and PEMFC performance was investigated. CCMs fabricated in the fiber-type break-upmore » regime by ACLJS achieved very high performance during PEMFC testing, with the top-performing cells having a current density greater than 1900 mA/cm 2 at 0.7 V under H 2/O 2 flows and 700 mA/cm 2 under H 2/Air at 1.5 bar(absolute) pressure and 60% gas RH, and 80°C cell temperature.« less

Influence of Laser Glazing on the Characterization of Plasma-Sprayed YSZ Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yan; Liu, Jiangwei; Liao, Hanlin; Darut, Geoffrey; Stella, Jorge; Poirier, Thierry; Planche, Marie-Pierre

2017-01-01

In this study, 8 wt.% yttria-stabilized zirconia powder was deposited on the substrates by atmospheric plasma spray. The coatings were post-treated by laser glazing under different parameters in order to densify them. The characterization of the laser molten pools under different laser treatment conditions was studied. Preheating processes were also employed. Scanning electron microscopy observations of the surface and cross section of as-sprayed and laser-glazed coatings were carried out to investigate the influence of laser glazing on the microstructure on laser-glazed coatings. The results show that preheating processes improve the coating in terms of deepening the laser-glazed layer, reducing the number of vertical cracks and surface density of cracks and widening the molten pool. Finally, the influences of linear energy density on the characterization of the glazed layer are discussed.

Laser surface modification of Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier coating on AISI H13 tool steel substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reza, M. S.; Aqida, S. N.; Ismail, I.

2018-03-01

This paper presents laser surface modification of plasma sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coating to seal porosity defect. Laser surface modification on plasma sprayed YSZ was conducted using 300W JK300HPS Nd: YAG laser at different operating parameters. Parameters varied were laser power and pulse frequency with constant residence time. The coating thickness was measured using IM7000 inverted optical microscope and surface roughness was analysed using two-dimensional Mitutoyo Surface Roughness Tester. Surface roughness of laser surface modification of YSZ H-13 tool steel decreased significantly with increasing laser power and decreasing pulse frequency. The re-melted YSZ coating showed higher hardness properties compared to as-sprayed coating surface. These findings were significant to enhance thermal barrier coating surface integrity for dies in semi-solid processing.

Absolute bioavailability and safety of a novel rivastigmine nasal spray in healthy elderly individuals.

PubMed

Morgan, Timothy M; Soh, Bob

2017-03-01

To test the feasibility of a novel rivastigmine nasal spray as prospective treatment for dementia. A single dose, crossover absolute bioavailability and safety study was conducted with rivastigmine intravenous solution (1 mg) and nasal spray (3.126 mg) in eight healthy elderly individuals, aged 58-75 years. Absolute bioavailability (F) of the nasal spray was significant at 0.62 (0.15) for F > 0 (P < 0.001, n = 8). The systemic dose absorbed was 2.0 (0.6) mg, time to maximum plasma concentration was 1.1 (0.5) h and maximum plasma concentration was 6.9 (2.0) ng ml -1 . The NAP226-90 to rivastigmine AUC 0-∞ ratio was 0.78 (0.19). The single dose safety was good with two of five mild adverse events related to the nasal spray. Nasal and throat irritation were perceived as mild and transient, and both had resolved at 20 min post-nasal dose. An estimated dose of two or three sprays twice-daily with nasal spray would deliver comparable rivastigmine exposure and efficacy as a 6-9.7 mg day -1 oral dose and a 10 cm 2 transdermal patch, respectively. The rivastigmine nasal spray had superior absolute bioavailability compared to historical values for oral capsule and transdermal patch determined by other researchers. It had rapid onset of action, low NAP226-90 to rivastigmine exposure ratio and a favourable safety and tolerability profile. The ability to achieve adjustable, individual, twice-daily dosing during waking hours has good potential to minimise undesirable cholinergic burden and sleep disturbances whilst delivering an effective dose for the treatment of dementia associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. © 2016 The British Pharmacological Society.

Planar controlled zone microwave plasma system

DOEpatents

Ripley, Edward B [Knoxville, TN; Seals, Roland D [Oak Ridge, TN; Morrell, Jonathan S [Knoxvlle, TN

2011-10-04

An apparatus and method for initiating a process gas plasma. A conductive plate having a plurality of conductive fingers is positioned in a microwave applicator. An arc forms between the conductive fingers to initiate the formation of a plasma. A transport mechanism may convey process materials through the plasma. A spray port may be provided to expel processed materials.

Controlled zone microwave plasma system

DOEpatents

Ripley, Edward B [Knoxville, TN; Seals, Roland D [Oak Ridge, TN; Morrell, Jonathan S [Knoxville, TN

2009-10-20

An apparatus and method for initiating a process gas plasma. A conductive plate having a plurality of conductive fingers is positioned in a microwave applicator. An arc forms between the conductive fingers to initiate the formation of a plasma. A transport mechanism may convey process materials through the plasma. A spray port may be provided to expel processed materials.

Quality control of FWC during assembly and commissioning in SST-1 Tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Hitesh; Santra, Prosenjit; Parekh, Tejas; Biswas, Prabal; Jayswal, Snehal; Chauhan, Pradeep; Paravastu, Yuvakiran; George, Siju; Semwal, Pratibha; Thankey, Prashant; Ramesh, Gattu; Prakash, Arun; Dhanani, Kalpesh; Raval, D. C.; Khan, Ziauddin; Pradhan, Subrata

2017-04-01

First Wall Components (FWC) of SST-1 tokamak, which are in the immediate vicinity of plasma, comprises of limiters, divertors, baffles, passive stabilizers designed to operate long duration (∼1000 s) discharges of elongated plasma. All FWC consist of copper alloy heat sink modules with SS cooling tubes brazed onto it, graphite tiles acting as armour material facing the plasma, and are mounted to the vacuum vessels with suitable Inconel support structures at inter-connected ring & port locations. The FWC are very recently assembled and commissioned successfully inside the vacuum vessel of SST-1 undergoing a rigorous quality control and checks at every stage of the assembly process. This paper will present the quality control aspects and checks of FWC from commencement of assembly procedure, namely material test reports, leak testing of high temperature baked components, assembled dimensional tolerances, leak testing of all welded joints, graphite tile tightening torques, electrical continuity and electrical isolation of passive stabilizers from vacuum vessel, baking and cooling hydraulic connections inside vacuum vessel.

Multicomponent plasma expansion into vacuum with non-Maxwellian electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elkamash, Ibrahem; Kourakis, Ioannis

2016-10-01

The expansion of a collisionless plasma into vacuum has been widely studied since the early works of Gurevich et al and Allen and coworkers. It has received momentum in recent years, in particular in the context of ultraintense laser pulse interaction with a solid target, in an effort to elucidate the generation of high energy ion beams. In most present day experiments, laser produced plasmas contain several ion species, due to increasingly complicated composite targets. Anderson et al have studied the isothermal expansion of a two-ion-species plasma. As in most earlier works, the electrons were assumed to be isothermal throughout the expansion. However, in more realistic situations, the evolution of laser produced plasmas into vacuum is mainly governed by nonthermal electrons. These electrons are characterized by particle distribution functions with high energy tails, which may significantly deviate from the Maxwellian distribution. In this paper, we present a theoretical model for plasma expansion of two component plasma with nonthermal electrons, modelled by a kappa-type distribution. The superthermal effect on the ion density, velocity and the electric field is investigated. It is shown that energetic electrons have a significant effecton the expansion dynamics of the plasma. This work was supported from CPP/QUB funding. One of us (I.S. Elkamash) acknowledges financial support by an Egyptian Government fellowship.

Characteristics of Surface Sterilization using ECR Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yonesu, Akira; Hara, Kazufumi; Nishikawa, Tatsuya; Hayashi, Nobuya

2015-09-01

Plasma sterilization techniques have superior characteristics such as a short treatment times, non-toxicity and low thermal damages on the sterilized materials. In plasma sterilization, microorganisms can be sterilized by active radicals, energetic charged particles, and vacuum UV radiation. The influence of each factor depends on the plasma operating parameters. Microwave discharges under the electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) condition produce higher electron temperature and density plasma as compared with other plasma generation techniques. In the present study, characteristics of surface sterilization using ECR plasma have been investigated.The experiment was performed in the vacuum chamber which contains a magnet holder. A pair of rectangular Sm-Co permanent magnets is aligned parallel to each other within the magnet holder. The region of the magnetic field for ECR exists near the magnet holder surface. When the microwave is introduced into the vacuum chamber, a ECR plasma is produced around surface of the magnet holder. High energy electrons and oxygen radicals were observed at ECR zone by electric probe method and optical spectroscopic method. Biological indicators (B.I.) having spore of 106 was sterilized in 2min for oxygen discharge. The temperature of the B.I. installation position was about 55°. The sterilization was achieved by the effect of oxygen radicals and high energy electrons.

Apparatus and processes for the mass production of photovoltaic modules

DOEpatents

Barth, Kurt L [Ft. Collins, CO; Enzenroth, Robert A [Fort Collins, CO; Sampath, Walajabad S [Fort Collins, CO

2007-05-22

An apparatus and processes for large scale inline manufacturing of CdTe photovoltaic modules in which all steps, including rapid substrate heating, deposition of CdS, deposition of CdTe, CdCl.sub.2 treatment, and ohmic contact formation, are performed within a single vacuum boundary at modest vacuum pressures. A p+ ohmic contact region is formed by subliming a metal salt onto the CdTe layer. A back electrode is formed by way of a low cost spray process, and module scribing is performed by means of abrasive blasting or mechanical brushing through a mask. The vacuum process apparatus facilitates selective heating of substrates and films, exposure of substrates and films to vapor with minimal vapor leakage, deposition of thin films onto a substrate, and stripping thin films from a substrate. A substrate transport apparatus permits the movement of substrates into and out of vacuum during the thin film deposition processes, while preventing the collection of coatings on the substrate transport apparatus itself.

Apparatus and processes for the mass production of photovotaic modules

DOEpatents

Barth, Kurt L.; Enzenroth, Robert A.; Sampath, Walajabad S.

2002-07-23

An apparatus and processes for large scale inline manufacturing of CdTe photovoltaic modules in which all steps, including rapid substrate heating, deposition of CdS, deposition of CdTe, CdCl.sub.2 treatment, and ohmic contact formation, are performed within a single vacuum boundary at modest vacuum pressures. A p+ ohmic contact region is formed by subliming a metal salt onto the CdTe layer. A back electrode is formed by way of a low cost spray process, and module scribing is performed by means of abrasive blasting or mechanical brushing through a mask. The vacuum process apparatus facilitates selective heating of substrates and films, exposure of substrates and films to vapor with minimal vapor leakage, deposition of thin films onto a substrate, and stripping thin films from a substrate. A substrate transport apparatus permits the movement of substrates into and out of vacuum during the thin film deposition processes, while preventing the collection of coatings on the substrate transport apparatus itself.

Load responsive multilayer insulation performance testing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dye, S.; Kopelove, A.; Mills, G. L.

Cryogenic insulation designed to operate at various pressures from one atmosphere to vacuum, with high thermal performance and light weight, is needed for cryogenically fueled space launch vehicles and aircraft. Multilayer insulation (MLI) performs well in a high vacuum, but the required vacuum shell for use in the atmosphere is heavy. Spray-on foam insulation (SOFI) is often used in these systems because of its light weight, but can have a higher heat flux than desired. We report on the continued development of Load Responsive Multilayer Insulation (LRMLI), an advanced thermal insulation system that uses dynamic beam discrete spacers that providemore » high thermal performance both in atmosphere and vacuum. LRMLI consists of layers of thermal radiation barriers separated and supported by micromolded polymer spacers. The spacers have low thermal conductance, and self-support a thin, lightweight vacuum shell that provides internal high vacuum in the insulation. The dynamic load responsive spacers compress to support the external load of a vacuum shell in one atmosphere, and decompress under reduced atmospheric pressure for lower heat leak. Structural load testing was performed on the spacers with various configurations. LRMLI was installed on a 400 liter tank and boil off testing with liquid nitrogen performed at various chamber pressures from one atmosphere to high vacuum. Testing was also performed with an MLI blanket on the outside of the LRMLI.« less

Plasma-Sprayed Titania and Alumina Coatings Obtained from Feedstocks Prepared by Heterocoagulation with 1 wt.% Carbon Nanotube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jambagi, Sudhakar C.; Agarwal, Anish; Sarkar, Nilmoni; Bandyopadhyay, P. P.

2018-05-01

Properties of plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings can be improved significantly by reinforcing such coatings with carbon nanotube (CNT). However, it is difficult to disperse CNT in the plasma spray feedstock owing to its tendency to form agglomerate. A colloidal processing technique, namely heterocoagulation, is effective in bringing about unbundling of CNT, followed by its homogeneous dispersion in the ceramic powder. This report deals with the mixing of micro-sized crushed titania and agglomerated alumina powders with CNT using the heterocoagulation technique. Heterocoagulation of titania was attempted with both cationic and anionic surfactants, and the latter was found to be more effective. Mixing of the oxides and carbon nanotube was also accomplished in a ball mill either in a dry condition or in alcohol, and powders thus obtained were compared with the heterocoagulated powder. The heterocoagulated powder has shown a more homogeneous dispersion of CNT in the oxide. The coatings produced from the heterocoagulated powder demonstrated improvement in hardness, porosity, indentation fracture toughness and elastic modulus. This is attributed to CNT reinforcement.

Multiobjective Optimization of Atmospheric Plasma Spray Process Parameters to Deposit Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Coatings Using Response Surface Methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramachandran, C. S.; Balasubramanian, V.; Ananthapadmanabhan, P. V.

2011-03-01

Atmospheric plasma spraying is used extensively to make Thermal Barrier Coatings of 7-8% yttria-stabilized zirconia powders. The main problem faced in the manufacture of yttria-stabilized zirconia coatings by the atmospheric plasma spraying process is the selection of the optimum combination of input variables for achieving the required qualities of coating. This problem can be solved by the development of empirical relationships between the process parameters (input power, primary gas flow rate, stand-off distance, powder feed rate, and carrier gas flow rate) and the coating quality characteristics (deposition efficiency, tensile bond strength, lap shear bond strength, porosity, and hardness) through effective and strategic planning and the execution of experiments by response surface methodology. This article highlights the use of response surface methodology by designing a five-factor five-level central composite rotatable design matrix with full replication for planning, conduction, execution, and development of empirical relationships. Further, response surface methodology was used for the selection of optimum process parameters to achieve desired quality of yttria-stabilized zirconia coating deposits.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sampath, S.; Wayne, S. F.

1994-09-01

Thermally sprayed molybdenum coatings are used in a variety of industrial applications, such as auto-motive piston rings, aeroturbine engines, and paper and plastics processing machinery. Molybdenum ex-hibits excellent scuffing resistance under sliding contact conditions. However, plasma-sprayed molybde-num coatings are relatively soft and require dispersion strengthening (e.g., Mo2C) or addition of a second phase (e.g., NiCrBSi) to improve hardness, wear resistance, and thus coating performance. In this study, Mo-Mo2C composite powders were plasma sprayed onto mild steel substrates. Considerable decarburi-zation was observed during air plasma spraying—a beneficial condition because carbon acts as a sacrifi-cial getter for the oxygen, thereby reducing the oxide content in the coating. Finer powders showed a greater degree of decarburization due to the increased surface area; however, the starting carbide con-tent in the powder exerted very little influence on the extent of decarburization. The friction properties of Mo-Mo2C coatings were significantly improved compared to those of pure molybdenum under con-tinuous sliding contact conditions. It also was found that the abrasion resistance of the coatings improved with increasing carbide addition.

Ultrasonic and electromagnetic enhancement of a culture of human SAOS-2 osteoblasts seeded onto a titanium plasma-spray surface.

PubMed

Fassina, Lorenzo; Saino, Enrica; Sbarra, Maria Sonia; Visai, Livia; Cusella De Angelis, Maria Gabriella; Mazzini, Giuliano; Benazzo, Francesco; Magenes, Giovanni

2009-06-01

Several studies suggest that the surface coating of titanium could play an important role in bone tissue engineering. In the present study, we have followed a particular biomimetic strategy where ultrasonically or electromagnetically stimulated SAOS-2 human osteoblasts proliferated and built their extracellular matrix on a titanium plasma-spray surface. In comparison with control conditions, the ultrasonic stimulation (average power, 149 mW; frequency, 1.5 MHz) and the electromagnetic stimulation (magnetic field intensity, 2 mT; frequency, 75 Hz) caused higher cell proliferation, and increased surface coating with decorin, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and type I collagen together with higher incorporation of calcium and phosphorus inside the extracellular matrix. The immunofluorescence related to the preceding bone matrix proteins showed their colocalization in the cell-rich areas. The use of the two physical stimulations aimed at obtaining the coating of the rough titanium plasma-spray surface in terms of cell colonization and deposition of extracellular matrix. The superficially cultured biomaterial could be theoretically used, in clinical applications, as an implant for bone repair.

Mass- and energy-analyses of ions from plasma by means of a miniature Thomson spectrometer.

PubMed

Sadowski, M J; Czaus, K; Malinowski, K; Skladnik-Sadowska, E; Zebrowski, J

2009-05-01

The paper presents an improved version of a miniature mass-spectrometer of the Thomson-type, which has been adopted for ion analysis near the dense plasma region inside a vacuum chamber. Problems connected with the separation of ions from plasma streams are considered. Input diaphragms and pumping systems, needed to ensure good vacuum inside the analyzing region, are described. The application of the miniature Thomson-type analyzer is illustrated by ion parabolas recorded in plasma-focus facility and rod plasma injector experiment. A quantitative analysis of the recorded ion parabolas is presented. Factors influencing accuracy of the ion analysis are discussed and methods of the spectrometer calibration are described.

Synergistic damage effects of vacuum ultraviolet photons and O2 in SiCOH ultra-low-k dielectric films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, J.; Graves, D. B.

2010-10-01

Damage incurred during plasma processing, leading to increases in dielectric constant k, is a persistent problem with porous ultra-low-k dielectric films, such as SiCOH. Although most of the proposed mechanisms of plasma-induced damage focus on the role of ion bombardment and radical attack, we show that plasma-generated vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photons can play a role in creating damage leading to increases in the dielectric constant of this material. Using a vacuum beam apparatus with a calibrated VUV lamp, we show that 147 nm VUV photons impacting SiCOH results in post-exposure adsorption and reaction with water vapour from the atmosphere to form silanol bonds, thereby raising the dielectric constant. Furthermore, the level of damage increases synergistically under simultaneous exposure to VUV photons and O2. The vacuum beam photon fluences are representative of typical plasma processes, as measured in a separate plasma tool. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy (ex situ) and mass spectrometry (in situ) imply that O2 reacts with methyl radicals formed from scissioned Si-C bonds to create CO2 and H2O, the latter combining with Si dangling bonds to generate more SiOH groups than with photon exposure alone. In addition, sample near-surface diffusivity, manipulated through ion bombardment and sample heating, can be seen to affect this process. These results demonstrate that VUV photo-generated surface reactions can be potent contributors to ultra-low-k dielectric SiCOH film plasma-induced damage, and suggest that they could play analogous roles in other plasma-surface interactions.

Vacuum testing of a miniaturised switch mode amplifier powering an electrothermal plasma micro-thruster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charles, Christine; Liang, Wei; Raymond, Luke; Rivas-Davila, Juan; Boswell, Roderick W.

2017-08-01

A structurally supportive miniaturised low-weight (≤150 g) radiofrequency switch mode amplifier developed to power the small diameter Pocket Rocket electrothermal plasma micro-thruster called MiniPR is tested in vacuum conditions representative of space to demonstrate its suitability for use on nano-satellites such as `CubeSats'. Argon plasma characterisation is carried out by measuring the optical emission signal seen through the plenum window versus frequency (12.8-13.8 MHz) and the plenum cavity pressure increase (indicative of thrust generation from volumetric gas heating in the plasma cavity) versus power (1-15 Watts) with the amplifier operating at atmospheric pressure and a constant flow rate of 20 sccm. Vacuum testing is subsequently performed by measuring the operational frequency range of the amplifier as a function of gas flow rate. The switch mode amplifier design is finely tuned to the input impedance of the thruster ˜16 pF) to provide a power efficiency of 88 % at the resonant frequency and a direct feed to a low-loss (˜ 10 %) impedance matching network. This system provides successful plasma coupling at 1.54 Watts for all investigated flow rates (10-130 sccm) for cryogenic pumping speeds of the order of 6000 l.s^{-1} and a vacuum pressure of the order of ˜ 2x10^{-5} Torr during operation. Interestingly, the frequency bandwidth for which a plasma can be coupled increases from 0.04 to 0.4 MHz when the gas flow rate is increased, probably as a result of changes in the plasma impedance.

Role of carbon nanotube dispersion in fracture toughening of plasma sprayed aluminum oxide-carbon nanotube nanocomposite coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balani, Kantesh

Aluminum oxide (Al2O3, or alumina) is a conventional ceramic known for applications such as wear resistant coatings, thermal liners, heaters, crucibles, dielectric systems, etc. However applications of Al 2O3 are limited owing to its inherent brittleness. Due to its excellent mechanical properties and bending strength, carbon nanotubes (CNT) is an ideal reinforcement for Al2O3 matrix to improve its fracture toughness. The role of CNT dispersion in the fracture toughening of the plasma sprayed Al2O3-CNT nanocomposite coating is discussed in the current work. Pretreatment of powder feedstock is required for dispersing CNTs in the matrix. Four coatings namely spray dried Al2O 3 (A-SD), Al2O3 blended with 4wt.% CNT (A4C-B), composite spray dried Al2O3-4wt.% CNT (A4C-SD) and composite spray dried A1203-8wt.% CNT (A8C-SD), are synthesized by plasma spraying. Owing to extreme temperatures and velocities involved in the plasma spraying of ceramics, retention of CNTs in the resulting coatings necessitates optimizing plasma processing parameters using an inflight particle diagnostic sensor. A bimodal microstructure was obtained in the matrix that consists of fully melted and resolidified structure and solid state sintered structure. CNTs are retained both in the fully melted region and solid-state sintered regions of processed coatings. Fracture toughness of A-SD, A4C-B, A4C-SD and A8C-SD coatings was 3.22, 3.86, 4.60 and 5.04 MPa m1/2 respectively. This affirms the improvement of fracture toughness from 20% (in A4C-B coating) to 43% (in A4C-SD coating) when compared to the A-SD coating because of the CNT dispersion. Fracture toughness improvement from 43% (in A4C-SD) to 57% (in A8C-SD) coating is evinced because of the CNT content. Reinforcement by CNTs is described by its bridging, anchoring, hook formation, impact alignment, fusion with splat, and mesh formation. The Al2O3/CNT interface is critical in assisting the stress transfer and utilizing excellent mechanical properties of CNTs. Mathematical and computational modeling using ab-initio principle is applied to understand the wetting behavior at the Al2O 3/CNT interface. Contrasting storage modulus was obtained by nanoindentation (˜210, 250, 250-350 and 325-420 GPa in A-SD, A4C-B, A4C-SD, and A8C-SD coatings respectively) depicting the toughening associated with CNT content and dispersion.

Robust Low Cost Liquid Rocket Combustion Chamber by Advanced Vacuum Plasma Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holmes, Richard; Elam, Sandra; Ellis, David L.; McKechnie, Timothy; Hickman, Robert; Rose, M. Franklin (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Next-generation, regeneratively cooled rocket engines will require materials that can withstand high temperatures while retaining high thermal conductivity. Fabrication techniques must be cost efficient so that engine components can be manufactured within the constraints of shrinking budgets. Three technologies have been combined to produce an advanced liquid rocket engine combustion chamber at NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) using relatively low-cost, vacuum-plasma-spray (VPS) techniques. Copper alloy NARloy-Z was replaced with a new high performance Cu-8Cr-4Nb alloy developed by NASA-Glenn Research Center (GRC), which possesses excellent high-temperature strength, creep resistance, and low cycle fatigue behavior combined with exceptional thermal stability. Functional gradient technology, developed building composite cartridges for space furnaces was incorporated to add oxidation resistant and thermal barrier coatings as an integral part of the hot wall of the liner during the VPS process. NiCrAlY, utilized to produce durable protective coating for the space shuttle high pressure fuel turbopump (BPFTP) turbine blades, was used as the functional gradient material coating (FGM). The FGM not only serves as a protection from oxidation or blanching, the main cause of engine failure, but also serves as a thermal barrier because of its lower thermal conductivity, reducing the temperature of the combustion liner 200 F, from 1000 F to 800 F producing longer life. The objective of this program was to develop and demonstrate the technology to fabricate high-performance, robust, inexpensive combustion chambers for advanced propulsion systems (such as Lockheed-Martin's VentureStar and NASA's Reusable Launch Vehicle, RLV) using the low-cost VPS process. VPS formed combustion chamber test articles have been formed with the FGM hot wall built in and hot fire tested, demonstrating for the first time a coating that will remain intact through the hot firing test, and with no apparent wear. Material physical properties and the hot firing tests are reviewed.

Optical Emission Studies of the NRL Plasma Torch for the Shipboard Waste Treatment Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-02-26

Arc Heating of Molten Steel in a Tundish", Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing, Vol.14, pp.361-381,1994. [3] H. Herman, "Plasma-sprayed...Treatment", Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing, Vol.15, pp.677-692,1995. [5] S. Paik and H.D. Nguyen, "Numerical Modeling of Multiphase Plasma/Soil Row...Gleizes, S. Vacquie and P. Brunelot, "Modeling of the Cathode Jet of a High- Power Transferred Arc", Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing, Vol.13

A novel method to predict the highest hardness of plasma sprayed coating without micro-defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuo, Yukun; Ye, Fuxing; Wang, Feng

2018-04-01

The plasma sprayed coatings are stacked by splats, which are regarded generally as the elementary units of coating. Many researchers have focused on the morphology and formation mechanism of splat. However, a novel method to predict the highest hardness of plasma sprayed coating without micro-defects is proposed according to the nanohardness of splat in this paper. The effectiveness of this novel method was examined by experiments. Firstly, the microstructure of splats and coating, meanwhile the 3D topography of the splats were observed by SEM (SU1510) and video microscope (VHX-2000). Secondly, the nanohardness of splats was evaluated by nanoindentation (NHT) in order to be compared with microhardness of coating measured by microhardness tester (HV-1000A). The results show that the nanohardness of splats with diameter of 70 μm, 100 μm and 140 μm were in the scope of 11∼12 GPa while the microhardness of coating were in the range of 8∼9 GPa. Because the splats had not micro-defects such as pores and cracks in the nanohardness evaluated nano-zone, the nanohardness of the splats can be utilized to predict the highest hardness of coating without micro-defects. This method indicates the maximum of sprayed coating hardness and will reduce the test number to get high hardness coating for better wear resistance.

Pseudo ribbon metal ion beam source.

PubMed

Stepanov, Igor B; Ryabchikov, Alexander I; Sivin, Denis O; Verigin, Dan A

2014-02-01

The paper describes high broad metal ion source based on dc macroparticle filtered vacuum arc plasma generation with the dc ion-beam extraction. The possibility of formation of pseudo ribbon beam of metal ions with the parameters: ion beam length 0.6 m, ion current up to 0.2 A, accelerating voltage 40 kV, and ion energy up to 160 kV has been demonstrated. The pseudo ribbon ion beam is formed from dc vacuum arc plasma. The results of investigation of the vacuum arc evaporator ion-emission properties are presented. The influence of magnetic field strength near the cathode surface on the arc spot movement and ion-emission properties of vacuum-arc discharge for different cathode materials are determined. It was shown that vacuum-arc discharge stability can be reached when the magnetic field strength ranges from 40 to 70 G on the cathode surface.

Suspension Plasma Spray Fabrication of Nanocrystalline Titania Hollow Microspheres for Photocatalytic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Kun; Liu, Yi; He, Xiaoyan; Li, Hua

2015-10-01

Hollow inorganic microspheres with controlled internal pores in close-cell configuration are usually constructed by submicron-sized particles. Fast and efficient large-scale production of the microspheres with tunable sizes yet remains challenging. Here, we report a suspension plasma spray route for making hollow microspheres from nano titania particles. The processing permits most nano particles to retain their physiochemical properties in the as-sprayed microspheres. The microspheres have controllable interior cavities and mesoporous shell of 1-3 μm in thickness. Spray parameters and organic content in the starting suspension play the key role in regulating the efficiency of accomplishing the hollow sphere structure. For the ease of collecting the spheres for recycling use, ferriferous oxide particles were used as additives to make Fe3O4-TiO2 hollow magnetic microspheres. The spheres can be easily recycled through external magnetic field collection after each time use. Photocatalytic anti-bacterial activities of the hollow spheres were assessed by examining their capability of degrading methylene blue and sterilizing Escherichia coli bacteria. Excellent photocatalytic performances were revealed for the hollow spheres, giving insight into their potential versatile applications.

Improved plasma accelerator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, D. Y.

1971-01-01

Converging, coaxial accelerator electrode configuration operates in vacuum as plasma gun. Plasma forms by periodic injections of high pressure gas that is ionized by electrical discharges. Deflagration mode of discharge provides acceleration, and converging contours of plasma gun provide focusing.

Linking Suspension Nasal Spray Drug Deposition Patterns to Pharmacokinetic Profiles: A Proof of Concept Study using Computational Fluid Dynamics

PubMed Central

Rygg, Alex; Hindle, Michael; Longest, P. Worth

2016-01-01

The objective of this study is to link regional nasal spray deposition patterns of suspension formulations, predicted with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), to in vivo human pharmacokinetic (PK) plasma concentration profiles. This is accomplished through the use of CFD simulations coupled with compartmental PK modeling. Results showed a rapid initial rise in plasma concentration that is due to the absorption of drug particles deposited in the nasal middle passages, followed by a slower increase in plasma concentration that is governed by the transport of drug particles from the nasal vestibule to the middle passages. Although drug deposition locations in the nasal cavity had a significant effect on the shape of the concentration profile, the absolute bioavailability remained constant provided that all of the drug remained in the nose over the course of the simulation. Loss of drug through the nostrils even after long time periods resulted in a significant decrease in bioavailability and increased variability. The results of this study quantify how differences in nasal drug deposition affect transient plasma concentrations and overall bioavailability. These findings are potentially useful for establishing bioequivalence for nasal spray devices and reducing the burden of in vitro testing, pharmacodynamics and clinical studies. PMID:27238495

Optimizing Thermoelectric Properties of In Situ Plasma-Spray-Synthesized Sub-stoichiometric TiO2-x Deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hwasoo; Seshadri, Ramachandran Chidambaram; Pala, Zdenek; Sampath, Sanjay

2018-06-01

In this article, an attempt has been made to relate the thermoelectric properties of thermal spray deposits of sub-stoichiometric titania to process-induced phase and microstructural variances. The TiO2-x deposits were formed through the in situ reaction of the TiO1.9 or TiO1.7 feedstock within the high-temperature plasma flame and manipulated via varying the amounts of hydrogen fed into in the thermal plasma. Changes in the flow rates of H2 in the plasma plume greatly affected the in-flight particle behavior and composition of the deposits. For reference, a high-velocity oxy-fuel spray torch was also used to deposit the two varieties of feedstocks. Refinements to the representation of the in-flight particle characteristics derived via single particle and ensemble diagnostic methods are proposed using the group parameters (melting index and kinetic energy). The results show that depending on the value of the melting index, there is an inverse proportional relationship between electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, whereas thermal conductivity has a directly proportional relationship with the electrical conductivity. Retention of the original phase and reduced decomposition is beneficial to retain the high Seebeck coefficient or the high electrical conductivity in the TiO2 system.

Interaction of cold radiofrequency plasma with seeds of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

PubMed Central

Bormashenko, Edward; Shapira, Yekaterina; Grynyov, Roman; Whyman, Gene; Bormashenko, Yelena; Drori, Elyashiv

2015-01-01

The impact of cold radiofrequency air plasma on the wetting properties and water imbibition of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) was studied. The influence of plasma on wetting of a cotyledon and seed coat (testa) was elucidated. It was established that cold plasma treatment leads to hydrophilization of the cotyledon and tissues constituting the testa when they are separately exposed to plasma. By contrast, when the entire bean is exposed to plasma treatment, only the external surface of the bean is hydrophilized by the cold plasma. Water imbibition by plasma-treated beans was studied. Plasma treatment markedly accelerates the water absorption. The crucial role of a micropyle in the process of water imbibition was established. It was established that the final percentage of germination was almost the same in the cases of plasma-treated, untreated, and vacuum-pumped samples. However, the speed of germination was markedly higher for the plasma-treated samples. The influence of the vacuum pumping involved in the cold plasma treatment on the germination was also clarified. PMID:25948708

Cleaning Carbon Nanotubes by Use of Mild Oxygen Plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petkov, Mihail

2006-01-01

Experiments have shown that it is feasible to use oxygen radicals (specifically, monatomic oxygen) from mild oxygen plasmas to remove organic contaminants and chemical fabrication residues from the surfaces of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and metal/CNT interfaces. A capability for such cleaning is essential to the manufacture of reproducible CNT-based electronic devices. The use of oxygen radicals to clean surfaces of other materials is fairly well established. However, previously, cleaning of CNTs and of graphite by use of oxygen plasmas had not been attempted because both of these forms of carbon were known to be vulnerable to destruction by oxygen plasmas. The key to success of the present technique is, apparently, to ensure that the plasma is mild . that is to say, that the kinetic and internal energies of the oxygen radicals in the plasma are as low as possible. The plasma oxygen-radical source used in the experiments was a commercial one marketed for use in removing hydrocarbons and other organic contaminants from vacuum systems and from electron microscopes and other objects placed inside vacuum systems. In use, the source is installed in a vacuum system and air is leaked into the system at such a rate as to maintain a background pressure of .0.56 torr (.75 Pa). In the source, oxygen from the air is decomposed into monatomic oxygen by radio-frequency excitation of a resonance of the O2 molecule (N2 is not affected). Hence, what is produced is a mild (non-energetic) oxygen plasma. The oxygen radicals are transported along with the air molecules in the flow created by the vacuum pump. In the experiments, exposure to the oxygen plasma in this system was shown to remove organic contaminants and chemical fabrication residues from several specimens. Many high-magnification scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of CNTs were taken before and after exposure to the oxygen plasma. As in the example shown in the figure, none of these images showed evidence of degradation of CNT structures.

Fourth-generation plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition facility for hybrid surface modification layer fabrication.

PubMed

Wang, Langping; Huang, Lei; Xie, Zhiwen; Wang, Xiaofeng; Tang, Baoyin

2008-02-01

The fourth-generation plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition (PIIID) facility for hybrid and batch treatment was built in our laboratory recently. Comparing with our previous PIIID facilities, several novel designs are utilized. Two multicathode pulsed cathodic arc plasma sources are fixed on the chamber wall symmetrically, which can increase the steady working time from 6 h (the single cathode source in our previous facilities) to about 18 h. Meanwhile, the inner diameter of the pulsed cathodic arc plasma source is increased from the previous 80 to 209 mm, thus, large area metal plasma can be obtained by the source. Instead of the simple sample holder in our previous facility, a complex revolution-rotation sample holder composed of 24 shafts, which can rotate around its axis and adjust its position through revolving around the center axis of the vacuum chamber, is fixed in the center of the vacuum chamber. In addition, one magnetron sputtering source is set on the chamber wall instead of the top cover in the previous facility. Because of the above characteristic, the PIIID hybrid process involving ion implantation, vacuum arc, and magnetron sputtering deposition can be acquired without breaking vacuum. In addition, the PIIID batch treatment of cylinderlike components can be finished by installing these components on the rotating shafts on the sample holder.

Plasma-Powder Feedstock Interaction During Plasma Spray-Physical Vapor Deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anwaar, Aleem; Wei, Lianglinag; Guo, Hongbo; Zhang, Baopeng

2017-02-01

Plasma spray-physical vapor deposition is a new process developed to produce coatings from the vapor phase. To achieve deposition from the vapor phase, the plasma-feedstock interaction inside the plasma torch, i.e., from the powder injection point to the nozzle exit, is critical. In this work, the plasma characteristics and the momentum and heat transfer between the plasma and powder feedstock at different torch input power levels were investigated theoretically to optimize the net plasma torch power, among other important factors such as the plasma gas composition, powder feed rate, and carrier gas. The plasma characteristics were calculated using the CEA2 code, and the plasma-feedstock interaction was studied inside the torch nozzle at low-pressure (20-25 kPa) conditions. A particle dynamics model was introduced to compute the particle velocity, coupled with Xi Chen's drag model for nonevaporating particles. The results show that the energy transferred to the particles and the coating morphology are greatly influenced by the plasma gas characteristics and the particle dynamics inside the nozzle. The heat transfer between the plasma gas and feedstock material increased with the net torch power up to an optimum at 64 kW, at which a maximum of 3.4% of the available plasma energy was absorbed by the feedstock powder. Experimental results using agglomerated 7-8 wt.% yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder as feedstock material confirmed the theoretical predictions.

Shear strength of a three-dimensional capillary-porous titanium coating for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalita, V. I.; Komlev, D. I.; Radyuk, A. A.; Ivannikov, A. Yu; Alpatov, A. V.; Komlev, V. S.; Mamonov, V. I.; Sevostyanov, M. A.; Baikin, A. S.

2018-04-01

The effect of pretreatment and plasma preheating of Ti-substrate on shear strength of three-dimensional capillary porous Ti-coating was studied. After sandblasting the shear strength of the plasma sprayed coating was 200 ± 2 MPa, and after additional matting it was 68 ± 4 MPa. The use of plasma preheating of the substrates for 9 seconds decreased difference between values of the shear strength to 249 ± 17 MPa and 229 ± 16 MPa, respectively. After plasma spraying the microhardness of the surface layer of the substrate was 4.34 ± 0.35 GPa, the microhardness of the boundary between the coating and the substrate was 8.08 ± 0.45 GPa, and the microhardness of the coating was 3.48 ± 0.25 GPa. High shear strength of the coating was attributed to the activation of the substrate by means of plasma preheating and hardening of the boundary between the coating and the substrate by oxides and nitrides.

Studies of the air plasma spraying of zirconia powder

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Varacalle, D.J. Jr.; Wilson, G.C.; Crawmer, D.E.

As part of an investigation of the dynamics that occur in the air plasma spray process, an experimental and analytical study has been accomplished for the deposition of yttria-stabilized zirconia powder using argon-hydrogen and argon-helium working gases. Numerical models of the plasma dynamics and the related plasma-particle interaction are presented. The analytical studies were conducted to determine the parameter space for the empirical studies. Experiments were then conducted using a Box statistical design-of-experiment approach. A substantial range of plasma processing conditions and their effect on the resultant coating is presented. The coatings were characterized by hardness tests and optical metallographymore » (i.e., image analysis). Coating qualities are discussed with respect to hardness, porosity, surface roughness, deposition efficiency, and microstructure. Attributes of the coatings are correlated with the changes in operating parameters. An optimized coating design predicted by the SDE analysis and verified by the calculations is also presented.« less

Jet Simulation in a Diesel Engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zhiliang

2005-03-01

We present a numerical study of the jet breakup and spray formation in a diesel engine by the Front Tracking method. The mechanisms of jet breakup and spray formation of a high speed diesel jet injected through a circular nozzle are the key to design a fuel efficient, nonpolluting diesel engine. We conduct the simulations for the jet breakup within a 2D axis-symmetric geometry. Our goal is to model the spray at a micro-physical level, with the creation of individual droplets. The problem is multiscale. The droplets are a few microns in size. The nozzle is about 0.2 mm in diameter and 1 mm in length. To resolve various physical patterns such as vortex, shock waves, vacuum and track droplets and spray, the Burger-Colella adaptive mesh refinement technique is used. To simulate the spray formation, we model mixed vapor-liquid region through a heterogeneous model with dynamic vapor bubble insertion. The formation of the cavitation is represented by the dynamic creation of vapor bubbles. On the liquid/vapor interface, a phase transition problem is solved numerically. The phase transition is governed by the compressible Euler equations with heat diffusion. Our solution is a new description for the Riemann problem associated with a phase transition in a fully compressible fluid.

Better VPS Fabrication of Crucibles and Furnace Cartridges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holmes, Richard R.; Zimmerman, Frank R.; O'Dell, J. Scott; McKechnie, Timothy N.

2003-01-01

An experimental investigation has shown that by (1) vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) of suitable refractory metal alloys on graphite mandrels, and then (2) heat-treating the VPS alloy deposits under suitable conditions, it is possible to fabricate improved crucibles and furnace cartridges that could be used at maximum temperatures between 1,400 and 1,600 C and that could withstand chemical attack by the materials to be heated in the crucibles and cartridges. Taken by itself, the basic concept of fabricating furnace cartridges by VPS of refractory materials onto graphite mandrels is not new; taken by itself, the basic concept of heat treatment of VPS deposits for use as other than furnace cartridges is also not new; however, prior to this investigation, experimental crucibles and furnace cartridges fabricated by VPS had not been heat treated and had been found to be relatively weak and brittle. Accordingly, the investigation was directed toward determining whether certain combinations of (1) refractory alloy compositions, (2) VPS parameters, and (3) heat-treatment parameters could result in VPS-fabricated components with increased ductility.

NASA PS400: A New Temperature Solid Lubricant Coating for High Temperature Wear Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DellaCorte, C.; Edmonds, B. J.

2009-01-01

A new solid lubricant coating, NASA PS400, has been developed for high temperature tribological applications. This plasma sprayed coating is a variant of the patented PS304 coating and has been formulated to provide higher density, smoother surface finish and better dimensional stability than PS304. PS400 is comprised of a nickel-molybdenum binder that provides strength, creep resistance and extreme oxidative and dimensional stability. Chromium oxide, silver and barium-calcium fluoride eutectic are added to the binder to form PS400.Tribological properties were evaluated with a pin-on-disk test rig in sliding contact to 650 C. Coating material samples were exposed to air, argon and vacuum at 760 C followed by cross section microscopic analysis to assess microstructure stability. Oil-Free microturbine engine hot section foil bearing tests were undertaken to assess PS400 s suitability for hot foil gas bearing applications. The preliminary results indicate that PS400 exhibits tribological characteristics comparable to the PS304 coating but with enhanced creep resistance and dimensional stability suitable for demanding, dynamic applications.

Changes of composition and microstructure of joint interface of tungsten coated carbon by high heat flux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tokunaga, K.; Matsubara, T.; Miyamoto, Y.; Takao, Y.; Yoshida, N.; Noda, N.; Kubota, Y.; Sogabe, T.; Kato, T.; Plöchl, L.

2000-12-01

Tungsten coatings of 0.5 and 1 mm thickness were successfully deposited by the vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) technique on carbon/carbon fiber composite (CFC), CX-2002U and isotropic fine grained graphite, IG-430U. High heat flux experiments by irradiation of electron beam with uniform profile were performed on the coated samples in order to prove the suitability and load limit of such coating materials. The cross-sectional composition and structure of the interface of VPS-W and carbon material samples were investigated. Compositional analyses showed that the Re/W multi-layer acts as diffusion barrier for carbon and suppresses tungsten carbide formation in the VPS-W layer at high temperature about 1300°C. Microstructure of the joint interface of the sample changed in the case of a peak temperature of about 2800°C. The multi-layer structure completely disappeared and compositional distribution was almost uniform in the interface of the sample after melting and resolidification. The diffusion barrier for carbon is not expected to act in this stage.

GRCop-84: A High Temperature Copper-based Alloy For High Heat Flux Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ellis, David L.

2005-01-01

While designed for rocket engine main combustion chamber liners, GRCop-84 (Cu-8 at.% Cr-4 at.% Nb) offers potential for high heat flux applications in industrial applications requiring a temperature capability up to approximately 700 C (1292 F). GRCop-84 is a copper-based alloy with excellent elevated temperature strength, good creep resistance, long LCF lives and enhanced oxidation resistance. It also has a lower thermal expansion than copper and many other low alloy copper-based alloys. GRCop-84 can be manufactured into a variety of shapes such as tubing, bar, plate and sheet using standard production techniques and requires no special production techniques. GRCop-84 forms well, so conventional fabrication methods including stamping and bending can be used. GRCop-84 has demonstrated an ability to be friction stir welded, brazed, inertia welded, diffusion bonded and electron beam welded for joining to itself and other materials. Potential applications include plastic injection molds, resistance welding electrodes and holders, permanent metal casting molds, vacuum plasma spray nozzles and high temperature heat exchanger applications.

Impact of the plasma response in three-dimensional edge plasma transport modelling for RMP ELM control scenarios at ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitz, Oliver

2014-10-01

The constrains used in magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) modeling of the plasma response to external resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) fields have a profound impact on the three-dimensional (3-D) shape of the plasma boundary induced by RMP fields. In this contribution, the consequences of the plasma response on the actual 3D boundary structure and transport during RMP application at ITER are investigated. The 3D fluid plasma and kinetic neutral transport code EMC3-Eirene is used for edge transport modeling. Plasma response modeling is conducted with the M3D-C1 code using a single fluid, non-linear and a two fluid, linear MHD constrain. These approaches are compared to results with an ideal MHD like plasma response. A 3D plasma boundary is formed for all cases consisting of magnetic finger structures at the X-point intersecting the divertor surface in a helical footprint pattern. The width of the helical footprint pattern is largely reduced compared to vacuum magnetic fields when using the ideal MHD like screening model. This yields increasing peak heat fluxes in contrast to a beneficial heat flux spreading seen with vacuum fields. The particle pump out as well as loss of thermal energy is reduced by a factor of two compared to vacuum fields. In contrast, the impact of the plasma response obtained from both MHD constrains in M3D-C1 is nearly negligible at the plasma boundary and only a small modification of the magnetic footprint topology is detected. Accordingly, heat and particle fluxes on the target plates as well as the edge transport characteristics are comparable to the vacuum solution. This span of modeling results with different plasma response models highlights the importance of thoroughly validating both, plasma response and 3D edge transport models for a robust extrapolation towards ITER. Supported by ITER Grant IO/CT/11/4300000497 and F4E Grant GRT-055 (PMS-PE) and by Start-Up Funds of the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

The Design and Use of Tungsten Coated TZM Molybdenum Tile Inserts in the DIII-D Tokamak Divertor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murphy, Christopher; Nygren, R. E.; Chrobak, C P.

Future tokamak devices are envisioned to utilize a high-Z metal divertor with tungsten as theleading candidate. However, tokamak experiments with tungsten divertors have seen significantdetrimental effects on plasma performance. The DIII-D tokamak presently has carbon as theplasma facing surface but to study the effect of tungsten on the plasma and its migration aroundthe vessel, two toroidal rows of carbon tiles in the divertor region were modified with high-Zmetal inserts, composed of a molybdenum alloy (TZM) coated with tungsten. A dedicated twoweek experimental campaign was run with the high-Z metal inserts. One row was coated withtungsten containing naturally occurring levels ofmore » isotopes. The second row was coated withtungsten where the isotope 182W was enhanced from the natural level of 26% up to greater than90%. The different isotopic concentrations enabled the experiment to differentiate between thetwo different sources of metal migration from the divertor. Various coating methods wereexplored for the deposition of the tungsten coating, including chemical vapor deposition,electroplating, vacuum plasma spray, and electron beam physical vapor deposition. The coatingswere tested to see if they were robust enough to act as a divertor target for the experiment. Testsincluded cyclic thermal heating using a high power laser and high-fluence deuterium plasmabombardment. The issues associate with the design of the inserts (tile installation, thermal stress,arcing, leading edges, surface preparation, etc.), are reviewed. The results of the tests used toselect the coating method and preliminary experimental observations are presented.« less

Particle Orbit Analysis in the Finite Beta Plasma of the Large Helical Device using Real Coordinates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seki, Ryousuke; Matsumoto, Yutaka; Suzuki, Yasuhiro; Watanabe, Kiyomasa; Itagaki, Masafumi

High-energy particles in a finite beta plasma of the Large Helical Device (LHD) are numerically traced in a real coordinate system. We investigate particle orbits by changing the beta value and/or the magnetic field strength. No significant difference is found in the particle orbit classifications between the vacuum magnetic field and the finite beta plasma cases. The deviation of a banana orbit from the flux surfaces strongly depends on the beta value, although the deviation of the orbit of a passing particle is independent of the beta value. In addition, the deviation of the orbit of the passing particle, rather than that of the banana-orbit particles, depends on the magnetic field strength. We also examine the effect of re-entering particles, which repeatedly pass in and out of the last closed flux surface, in the finite beta plasma of the LHD. It is found that the number of re-entering particles in the finite beta plasma is larger than that in the vacuum magnetic field. As a result, the role of reentering particles in the finite beta plasma of the LHD is more important than that in the vacuum magnetic field, and the effect of the charge-exchange reaction on particle confinement in the finite beta plasma is large.

Optimizing Compliance and Thermal Conductivity of Plasma Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings via Controlled Powders and Processing Strategies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Yang; Srinivasan, Vasudevan; Nakamura, Toshio; Sampath, Sanjay; Bertrand, Pierre; Bertrand, Ghislaine

2012-09-01

The properties and performance of plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are strongly dependent on the microstructural defects, which are affected by starting powder morphology and processing conditions. Of particular interest is the use of hollow powders which not only allow for efficient melting of zirconia ceramics but also produce lower conductivity and more compliant coatings. Typical industrial hollow spray powders have an assortment of densities resulting in masking potential advantages of the hollow morphology. In this study, we have conducted process mapping strategies using a novel uniform shell thickness hollow powder to control the defect microstructure and properties. Correlations among coating properties, microstructure, and processing reveal feasibility to produce highly compliant and low conductivity TBC through a combination of optimized feedstock and processing conditions. The results are presented through the framework of process maps establishing correlations among process, microstructure, and properties and providing opportunities for optimization of TBCs.

Titanium Dioxide Coating Prepared by Use of a Suspension-Solution Plasma-Spray Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Lingzhong; Coyle, Thomas W.; Chien, Ken; Pershin, Larry; Li, Tiegang; Golozar, Mehdi

2015-08-01

Titanium dioxide coatings were prepared from titanium isopropoxide solution containing nano TiO2 particles by use of a plasma-spray process. The effects of stand-off distance on coating composition and microstructure were investigated and compared with those for pure solution precursor and a water-based suspension of TiO2. The results showed that the anatase content of the coating increased with increasing stand-off distance and the rate of deposition decreased with increasing spray distance. Anatase nanoparticles in solution were incorporated into the coatings without phase transformation whereas most of the TiO2 in the precursor solution was transformed into rutile. The microstructure of preserved anatase particles bound by rutile improved the efficiency of deposition of the coating. The amount of anatase phase can be adjusted by variation of the ratio of solution to added anatase TiO2 nanoparticles.

Research of Adhesion Bonds Between Gas-Thermal Coating and Pre-Modified Base

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalevskaya, Z.; Zaitsev, K.; Klimenov, V.

2016-08-01

Nature of adhesive bonds between gas-thermal nickel alloy coating and carbon steel base was examined using laser profilometry, optical metallography, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The steel surface was plastically pre-deformed by an ultrasonic tool. Proved that ultrasound pre-treatment modifies the steel surface. Increase of dislocation density and formation of sub micro-structure are base elements of surface modification. While using high-speed gas-flame, plasma and detonation modes of coatings, surface activation occurs and durable adhesion is formed. Ultrasonic pre-treatment of base material is effective when sprayed particles and base material interact through physical-chemical bond formation. Before applying high-speed gas flame and plasma sprayed coatings, authors recommend ultrasonic pretreatment, which creates periodic wavy topography with a stroke of 250 microns on the steel surface. Before applying detonation sprayed coatings, authors recommend ultrasound pretreatment that create modified surface with a uniform micro-topography.

Next Generation Thermal Barrier Coatings for the Gas Turbine Industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Curry, Nicholas; Markocsan, Nicolaie; Li, Xin-Hai; Tricoire, Aurélien; Dorfman, Mitch

2011-01-01

The aim of this study is to develop the next generation of production ready air plasma sprayed thermal barrier coating with a low conductivity and long lifetime. A number of coating architectures were produced using commercially available plasma spray guns. Modifications were made to powder chemistry, including high purity powders, dysprosia stabilized zirconia powders, and powders containing porosity formers. Agglomerated & sintered and homogenized oven spheroidized powder morphologies were used to attain beneficial microstructures. Dual layer coatings were produced using the two powders. Laser flash technique was used to evaluate the thermal conductivity of the coating systems from room temperature to 1200 °C. Tests were performed on as-sprayed samples and samples were heat treated for 100 h at 1150 °C. Thermal conductivity results were correlated to the coating microstructure using image analysis of porosity and cracks. The results show the influence of beneficial porosity on reducing the thermal conductivity of the produced coatings.

Caracterisation of Titanium Nitride Layers Deposited by Reactive Plasma Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roşu, Radu Alexandru; Şerban, Viorel-Aurel; Bucur, Alexandra Ioana; Popescu, Mihaela; Uţu, Dragoş

2011-01-01

Forming and cutting tools are subjected to the intense wear solicitations. Usually, they are either subject to superficial heat treatments or are covered with various materials with high mechanical properties. In recent years, thermal spraying is used increasingly in engineering area because of the large range of materials that can be used for the coatings. Titanium nitride is a ceramic material with high hardness which is used to cover the cutting tools increasing their lifetime. The paper presents the results obtained after deposition of titanium nitride layers by reactive plasma spraying (RPS). As deposition material was used titanium powder and as substratum was used titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). Macroscopic and microscopic (scanning electron microscopy) images of the deposited layers and the X ray diffraction of the coatings are presented. Demonstration program with layers deposited with thickness between 68,5 and 81,4 μm has been achieved and presented.

Plasma sprayed metal supported YSZ/Ni-LSGM-LSCF ITSOFC with nanostructured anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Changsing; Tsai, Chun-Huang; Lo, Chih-Hung; Sun, Cha-Hong

Intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ITSOFCs) supported by a porous Ni-substrate and based on Sr and Mg doped lanthanum gallate (LSGM) electrolyte, lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (LSCF) cathode and nanostructured yttria stabilized zirconia-nickel (YSZ/Ni) cermet anode have been fabricated successfully by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). From ac impedance analysis, the sprayed YSZ/Ni cermet anode with a novel nanostructure and advantageous triple phase boundaries after hydrogen reduction has a low resistance. It shows a good electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen oxidation reactions. The sprayed LSGM electrolyte with ∼60 μm in thickness and ∼0.054 S cm -1 conductivity at 800 °C shows a good gas tightness and gives an open circuit voltage (OCV) larger than 1 V. The sprayed LSCF cathode with ∼30 μm in thickness and ∼30% porosity has a minimum resistance after being heated at 1000 °C for 2 h. This cathode keeps right phase structure and good porous network microstructure for conducting electrons and negative oxygen ions. The APS sprayed cell after being heated at 1000 °C for 2 h has a minimum inherent resistance and achieves output power densities of ∼440 mW cm -2 at 800 °C, ∼275 mW cm -2 at 750 °C and ∼170 mW cm -2 at 700 °C. Results from SEM, XRD, ac impedance analysis and I- V- P measurements are presented here.

Antibacterial characteristics of thermal plasma spray system.

PubMed

Goudarzi, M; Saviz, Sh; Ghoranneviss, M; Salar Elahi, A

2018-03-15

The objective of this study is to investigate antibacterial characteristics of a thermal plasma spray system. For this purpose, copper powder was coated on a handmade atmospheric plasma spraying system made by the stainless steel 316 substrate, which is preheated at different temperatures before spraying. A number of deposition characteristics such as antibacterial characteristics, adhesion strength and hardness of coating, was investigated. All of the spray parameters are fixed except the substrate temperature. The chemical composition was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and back scattering electron microscopy (BSE) were used to show the coating microstructure, its thickness and also the powder micrograph. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used to analyze the coating particles. Hardness of the deposition was examined by Vickers tester (HV0.1). Its adhesion strength was declared by cross cut tester (TQC). In addition, the percentage of bactericidal coating was evidenced with Staphylococcus aurous and Escherichia coli bacteria. Study results show that as the substrates temperature increases, the number of splats in the shape of pancake increases, the greatness and percentage of the deposition porosity both decrease. The increment of the substrate temperature leads to more oxidation and makes thicker dendrites on the splat. The enhancement of the substrate temperature also enlarges thickness and efficiency of coating. The interesting results are that antibacterial properties of coatings against the Escherichia coli are more than Staphylococcus aurous bacteria. However the bactericidal percentage of the coatings against Staphylococcus aurous and Escherichia coli bacteria roughly does not change with increasing the substrate temperature. Furthermore, by increment of the substrate temperature, coatings with both high adhesion and hardness are obtained. Accordingly, the temperature of substrate can be an important parameter for progressing mechanical properties of the antiseptic deposition.

Workplace exposure and release of ultrafine particles during atmospheric plasma spraying in the ceramic industry.

PubMed

Viana, M; Fonseca, A S; Querol, X; López-Lilao, A; Carpio, P; Salmatonidis, A; Monfort, E

2017-12-01

Atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) is a frequently used technique to produce enhanced-property coatings for different materials in the ceramic industry. This work aimed to characterise and quantify the impact of APS on workplace exposure to airborne particles, with a focus on ultrafine particles (UFPs, <100nm) and nanoparticles (<50nm). Particle number, mass concentrations, alveolar lung deposited surface area concentration, and size distributions, in the range 10nm-20μm were simultaneously monitored at the emission source, in the potential worker breathing zone, and in outdoor air. Different input materials (known as feedstock) were tested: (a) micron-sized powders, and (b) suspensions containing submicron- or nano-sized particles. Results evidenced significantly high UFP concentrations (up to 3.3×10 6 /cm 3 ) inside the spraying chamber, which impacted exposure concentrations in the worker area outside the spraying chamber (up to 8.3×10 5 /cm 3 ). Environmental release of UFPs was also detected (3.9×10 5 /cm 3 , outside the exhaust tube). Engineered nanoparticle (ENP) release to workplace air was also evidenced by TEM microscopy. UFP emissions were detected during the application of both micron-sized powder and suspensions containing submicron- or nano-sized particles, thus suggesting that emissions were process- (and not material-) dependent. An effective risk prevention protocol was implemented, which resulted in a reduction of UFP exposure in the worker area. These findings demonstrate the potential risk of occupational exposure to UFPs during atmospheric plasma spraying, and raise the need for further research on UFP formation mechanisms in high-energy industrial processes. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of a fluid model for DC arc plasma torches and its integration with downstream models of atmospheric plasma spray particle plumes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cannamela, Michael J., III

The plasma spray process uses plasma flames to melt micron sized particles of e.g. ceramic and propel the droplets to impinge upon and freeze to the target workpiece, forming a functional coating. Variations in the process arise from many sources, and because sensing of the process is imperfect one is motivated to pursue a modeling approach. This dissertation models the major elements of the process; the torch that produces the plasma flame, the jet of hot plasma issuing from the torch, and the plume of particles conveyed and heated by the jet. The plasma in the torch is modeled by a one-fluid magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) approach and it is found that the MHD equations can accurately predict the power dissipated in the bulk of the plasma, while special treatment is required in regions near the electrodes. Treatment of the cathode region is eased since it can be de-coupled from the bulk flow. Treatment of the anode region aims to extract the correct amount of power from the plasma. With MHD in the bulk and these special conditions at the electrode boundaries, the net power into the plasma can be matched with experiment. For one simulation of an SG-100 torch operating at 500A, the measured net power was 7.0kW while the computed net power was 7.1kW. Using outlet information from the torch, the impact of plasma arc oscillations on the free jet and on the in-flight particle states is predicted. The model of the plasma jet is validated against the existing LAVA code, and is able to predict the fraction of entrained air in the jet to within 20% of the experimental value. The variations in particle states due to the arc fluctuations are found to be similar in size to variations due to changes in particle injection velocity, and so cannot be neglected when considering particle state distributions. The end result of this work is to make available a complete chain of models for the plasma spray process, from torch input conditions to in-flight particle state.

Surface currents on the plasma-vacuum interface in MHD equilibria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanson, James D.

2016-10-01

The VMEC non-axisymmetric MHD equilibrium code can compute free-boundary equilibria. Since VMEC assumes that magnetic fields within the plasma form closed and nested flux surfaces, the plasma-vacuum interface is a flux surface, and the total magnetic field there has no normal component. VMEC imposes this condition of zero normal field using the potential formulation of Merkel, and solves a Neumann problem for the magnetic potential in the exterior region. This boundary condition necessarily admits the possibility of a surface current on the plasma-vacuum interface. While this current may be small in MHD equilibrium, this current may be readily computed in terms of a magnetic potential in both the interior and exterior regions. Examples of the surface current for VMEC equilibria will be shown. This material is based upon work supported by Auburn University and the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Fusion Energy Sciences under Award Number DE-FG02-03ER54692.

Influence of residual plasma drift velocity on the post-arc sheath expansion of vacuum circuit breakers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mo, Yongpeng; Shi, Zongqian; Bai, Zhibin; Jia, Shenli; Wang, Lijun

2016-05-01

The residual plasma in the inter-contact region of a vacuum circuit breaker moves towards the post-arc cathode at current zero, because the residual plasma mainly comes from the cathode spots during the arc burning process. In the most previous theoretical researches on the post-arc sheath expansion process of vacuum circuit breakers, only the thermal motion of residual plasma was taken into consideration. Alternately, the residual plasma was even assumed to be static at the moment of current zero in some simplified models. However, the influence of residual plasma drift velocity at current zero on the post-arc sheath expansion process was rarely investigated. In this paper, this effect is investigated by a one-dimensional particle-in-cell model. Simulation results indicate that the sheath expands slower with higher residual plasma drift velocity in the initial sheath expansion stage. However, with the increase of residual plasma drift velocity, the overall plasma density in the inter-contact region decreases faster, and the sheath expansion velocity increases earlier. Consequently, as a whole, it needs shorter time to expel the residual plasma from the inter-contact region. Furthermore, if the residual plasma drift velocity is high enough, the sheath expansion process ceases before it develops to the post-arc anode. Besides, the influence of the collisions between charges and neutrals is investigated as well in terms of the density of metal vapor. It shows that the residual plasma drift velocity takes remarkable effect only if the density of the metal vapor is relatively low, which corresponds to the circumstance of low-current interruptions.

Optimisation and characterisation of tungsten thick coatings on copper based alloy substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riccardi, B.; Montanari, R.; Casadei, M.; Costanza, G.; Filacchioni, G.; Moriani, A.

2006-06-01

Tungsten is a promising armour material for plasma facing components of nuclear fusion reactors because of its low sputter rate and favourable thermo-mechanical properties. Among all the techniques able to realise W armours, plasma spray looks particularly attractive owing to its simplicity and low cost. The present work concerns the optimisation of spraying parameters aimed at 4-5 mm thick W coating on copper-chromium-zirconium (Cu,Cr,Zr) alloy substrates. Characterisation of coatings was performed in order to assess microstructure, impurity content, density, tensile strength, adhesion strength, thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient. The work performed has demonstrated the feasibility of thick W coatings on flat and curved geometries. These coatings appear as a reliable armour for medium heat flux plasma facing component.

Preparation and Bond Properties of Thermal Barrier Coatings on Mg Alloy with Sprayed Al or Diffused Mg-Al Intermetallic Interlayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Xizhi; Wang, Ying; Zou, Binglin; Gu, Lijian; Huang, Wenzhi; Cao, Xueqiang

2014-02-01

Sprayed Al or diffused Mg-Al layer was designed as interlayer between the thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) and Mg alloy substrate. The effects of the interlayer on the bond properties of the coats were investigated. Al layers were prepared by arc spraying and atmospheric plasma spraying (APS), respectively. Mg-Al diffused layer was obtained after the heat treatment of the sprayed sample (Mg alloy with APS Al coat) at 400 °C. The results show that sprayed Al interlayer does not improve the bond stability of TBCs. The failure of the TBCs on Mg alloy with Al interlayer occurs mainly due to the low strength of Al layer. Mg-Al diffused layer improves corrosion resistance of substrate and the bond interface. The TBCs on Mg alloy with Mg-Al diffused interlayer shows better bond stability than the sample of which the TBCs is directly sprayed on Mg alloy substrate by APS.

Thermal conductivity of zirconia thermal barrier coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dinwiddie, R. B.; Beecher, S. C.; Nagaraj, B. A.; Moore, C. S.

1995-01-01

Thermal barrier coatings (TBC's) applied to the hot gas components of turbine engines lead to enhanced fuel efficiency and component reliability. Understanding the mechanisms which control the thermal transport behavior of the TBC's is of primary importance. Physical vapor description (PVD) and plasma spraying (PS) are the two most commonly used coating techniques. These techniques produce coatings with unique microstructures which control their performance and stability. The PS coatings were applied with either standard power or hollow sphere particles. The hollow sphere particles yielded a lower density and lower thermal conductivity coating. The thermal conductivity of both fully and partially stabilized zirconia, before and after thermal aging, will be compared. The thermal conductivity of the coatings permanently increase upon being exposed to high temperatures. These increases are attributed to microstructural changes within the coatings. Sintering of the as fabricated plasma sprayed lamellar structure is observed by scanning electron microscopy of coatings isothermally heat treated at temperatures greater than 1100 C. During this sintering process the planar porosity between lamella is converted to a series of small spherical pores. The change in pore morphology is the primary reason for the observed increase in thermal conductivity. This increase in thermal conductivity can be modeled using a relationship which depends on both the temperature and time of exposure. Although the PVD coatings are less susceptible to thermal aging effects, preliminary results suggest that they have a higher thermal conductivity than PS coatings, both before and after thermal aging. The increases in thermal conductivity due to thermal aging for partially stabilized plasma sprayed zirconia have been found to be less than for fully stabilized plasma sprayed zirconia coatings. The high temperature thermal diffusivity data indicates that if these coatings reach a temperature above 1100 C during operation, they will begin to lose their effectiveness as a thermal barrier.

Thermal conductivity of zirconia thermal barrier coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dinwiddie, R. B.; Beecher, S. C.; Nagaraj, B. A.; Moore, C. S.

1995-01-01

Thermal barrier coatings (TBC's) applied to the hot gas components of turbine engines lead to enhanced fuel efficiency and component reliability. Understanding the mechanisms which control the thermal transport behavior of the TBC's is of primary importance. Physical vapor deposition (PVD) and plasma spraying (PS) are the two most commonly used coating techniques. These techniques produce coatings with unique microstructures which control their performance and stability. The PS coatings were applied with either standard powder or hollow sphere particles. The hollow sphere particles yielded a lower density and lower thermal conductivity coating. The thermal conductivity of both fully and partially stabilized zirconia, before and after thermal aging, will be compared. The thermal conductivity of the coatings permanently increases upon exposed to high temperatures. These increases are attributed to microstructural changes within the coatings. Sintering of the as-fabricated plasma sprayed lamellar structure is observed by scanning electron microscopy of coatings isothermally heat treated at temperatures greater than 1100 C. During this sintering process the planar porosity between lamella is converted to a series of small spherical pores. The change in pore morphology is the primary reason for the observed increase in thermal conductivity. This increase in thermal conductivity can be modeled using a relationship which depends on both the temperature and time of exposure. Although the PVD coatings are less susceptible to thermal aging effects, preliminary results suggest that they have a higher thermal conductivity than PS coatings, both before and after thermal aging. The increases in thermal conductivity due to thermal aging for partially stabilized plasma sprayed zirconia have been found to be less than for fully stabilized plasma sprayed zirconia coatings. The high temperature thermal diffusivity data indicate that if these coatings reach a temperature above 1100 C during operation, they will begin to lose their effectiveness as a thermal barrier.

Investigation of the effect of a power feed vacuum gap in solid liner experiments at 1 MA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bott-Suzuki, S. C., E-mail: sbottsuzuki@ucsd.edu, E-mail: sbottsuzuki@p3ucsd.com; Cordaro, S. W.; Caballero Bendixsen, L. S.

We present an experimental study of plasma initiation of a solid metal liner at the 1 MA level. In contrast to previous work, we introduce a vacuum gap at one of the liner connections to the power feed to investigate how this affects plasma initiation and to infer how this may affect the symmetry of the liner in compression experiments. We observed that the vacuum gap causes non-uniform plasma initiation both azimuthally and axially in liners, diagnosed by gated optical imaging. Using magnetic field probes external to the liner, we also determined that the optical emission is strongly linked to themore » current distribution in the liner. The apparent persistent of azimuthal non-uniformities may have implications for fusion-scale liner experiments.« less

Plasma Shield for In-Air and Under-Water Beam Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hershcovitch, Ady

2007-11-01

As the name suggests, the Plasma Shield is designed to chemically and thermally shield a target object by engulfing an area subjected to beam treatment with inert plasma. The shield consists of a vortex-stabilized arc that is employed to shield beams and workpiece area of interaction from atmospheric or liquid environment. A vortex-stabilized arc is established between a beam generating device (laser, ion or electron gun) and the target object. The arc, which is composed of a pure noble gas (chemically inert), engulfs the interaction region and shields it from any surrounding liquids like water or reactive gases. The vortex is composed of a sacrificial gas or liquid that swirls around and stabilizes the arc. In current art, many industrial processes like ion material modification by ion implantation, dry etching, and micro-fabrication, as well as, electron beam processing, like electron beam machining and electron beam melting is performed exclusively in vacuum, since electron guns, ion guns, their extractors and accelerators must be kept at a reasonably high vacuum, and since chemical interactions with atmospheric gases adversely affect numerous processes. Various processes involving electron ion and laser beams can, with the Plasma Shield be performed in practically any environment. For example, electron beam and laser welding can be performed under water, as well as, in situ repair of ship and nuclear reactor components. The plasma shield results in both thermal (since the plasma is hotter than the environment) and chemical shielding. The latter feature brings about in-vacuum process purity out of vacuum, and the thermal shielding aspect results in higher production rates. Recently plasma shielded electron beam welding experiments were performed resulting in the expected high quality in-air electron beam welding. Principle of operation and experimental results are to be discussed.

Vapors and Droplets Mixture Deposition of Metallic Coatings by Very Low Pressure Plasma Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vautherin, B.; Planche, M.-P.; Bolot, R.; Quet, A.; Bianchi, L.; Montavon, G.

2014-04-01

In recent years, the very low pressure plasma-spraying (VLPPS) process has been intensely developed and implemented to manufacture thin, dense and finely structured ceramic coatings for various applications, such as Y2O3 for diffusion barriers, among other examples. This paper aims at presenting developments carried out on metallic coatings. Aluminum was chosen as a demonstrative material due to its "moderate" vaporization enthalpy (i.e., 38.23 KJ cm-3) compared to the one of copper (i.e., 55.33 KJ cm-3), cobalt (i.e., 75.03 KJ cm-3), or even tantalum (i.e., 87.18 KJ cm-3). The objective of this work is primarily to better understand the behavior of a solid precursor injected into the plasma jet leading to the formation of vapors and to better control the factors affecting the coating structure. Nearly dense aluminum coatings were successfully deposited by VLPPS at 100 Pa with an intermediate power plasma torch (i.e., Sulzer Metco F4 type gun with maximum power of 45 kW). Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was implemented to study and analyze the vapor behavior into the plasma jet. Simplified CFD modeling allowed better understanding of some of the thermo-physical mechanisms. The effect of powder-size distribution, substrate temperature and spray distance were studied. The phase composition and microstructural features of the coatings were characterized by XRD and SEM. Moreover, Vickers microhardness measurements were implemented.

Development and experimental study of large size composite plasma immersion ion implantation device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falun, SONG; Fei, LI; Mingdong, ZHU; Langping, WANG; Beizhen, ZHANG; Haitao, GONG; Yanqing, GAN; Xiao, JIN

2018-01-01

Plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) overcomes the direct exposure limit of traditional beam-line ion implantation, and is suitable for the treatment of complex work-piece with large size. PIII technology is often used for surface modification of metal, plastics and ceramics. Based on the requirement of surface modification of large size insulating material, a composite full-directional PIII device based on RF plasma source and metal plasma source is developed in this paper. This device can not only realize gas ion implantation, but also can realize metal ion implantation, and can also realize gas ion mixing with metal ions injection. This device has two metal plasma sources and each metal source contains three cathodes. Under the condition of keeping the vacuum unchanged, the cathode can be switched freely. The volume of the vacuum chamber is about 0.94 m3, and maximum vacuum degree is about 5 × 10-4 Pa. The density of RF plasma in homogeneous region is about 109 cm-3, and plasma density in the ion implantation region is about 1010 cm-3. This device can be used for large-size sample material PIII treatment, the maximum size of the sample diameter up to 400 mm. The experimental results show that the plasma discharge in the device is stable and can run for a long time. It is suitable for surface treatment of insulating materials.

Plasma expansion into a vacuum with an arbitrarily oriented external magnetic field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

García-Rubio, F., E-mail: fernando.garcia.rubio@upm.es; Sanz, J.; Ruocco, A.

2016-01-15

Plasma expansion into a vacuum with an external magnetic field is studied under the ideal magnetohydrodynamic hypothesis. The inclination of the magnetic field with respect to the expansion direction is arbitrary, and both the perpendicular and the oblique cases are separately analyzed. A self-similar solution satisfying the boundary conditions is obtained. The interface with the vacuum is treated as a fluid surface, and jump conditions concerning the momentum conservation are imposed. The effect of the intensity of the magnetic field and its inclination is thoroughly studied, and the consistency of the solution for small and large inclinations is investigated.

Method for minimizing decarburization and other high temperature oxygen reactions in a plasma sprayed material

DOEpatents

Lenling, William J.; Henfling, Joseph A.; Smith, Mark F.

1993-06-08

A method is disclosed for spray coating material which employs a plasma gun that has a cathode, an anode, an arc gas inlet, a first powder injection port, and a second powder injection port. A suitable arc gas is introduced through the arc gas inlet, and ionization of the arc gas between the cathode and the anode forms a plasma. The plasma is directed to emenate from an open-ended chamber defined by the boundary of the anode. A coating is deposited upon a base metal part by suspending a binder powder within a carrier gas that is fed into the plasma through the first powder injection port; a material subject to degradation by high temperature oxygen reactions is suspended within a carrier gas that is fed into the plasma through the second injection port. The material fed through the second injection port experiences a cooler portion of the plasma and has a shorter dwell time within the plasma to minimize high temperature oxygen reactions. The material of the first port and the material of the second port intermingle within the plasma to form a uniform coating having constituent percentages related to the powder-feed rates of the materials through the respective ports.

Nonacid meat decontamination technologies: model studies and commercial applications.

PubMed

Sofos, J N; Smith, G C

1998-11-10

Increased consumer awareness and concern about microbial foodborne diseases has resulted in intensified efforts to reduce contamination of raw meat, as evidenced by new meat and poultry inspection regulations being implemented in the United States. In addition to requiring operation of meat and poultry slaughtering and processing plants under the principles of the hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) system, the new regulations have established microbiological testing criteria for Escherichia coli and Salmonella, as a means of evaluating plant performance. These developments have renewed and intensified interest in the development and commercial application of meat and poultry decontamination procedures. Technologies developed and evaluated for decontamination include live animal cleaning/washing, chemical dehairing, carcass knife-trimming to remove physical contaminants, steam/hot water-vacuuming for spot-cleaning/decontamination of carcasses, spray washing/rinsing of carcasses with water of low or high pressures and temperatures or chemical solutions, and exposure of carcass sides to pressurized steam. Under appropriate conditions, the technologies applied to carcasses may reduce mean microbiological counts by approximately one-three log colony forming units (cfu)/cm2, and some of them have been approved and are employed in commercial applications (i.e., steam-vacuuming; carcass spray-washing with water, chlorine, organic acid or trisodium phosphate solutions; hot water deluging/spraying/rinsing, and pressurized steam). The contribution of these decontamination technologies to the enhancement of food safety will be determined over the long term, as surveillance data on microbial foodborne illness are collected. This review examines carcass decontamination technologies, other than organic acids, with emphasis placed on recent advances and commercial applications.

Extreme plasma states in laser-governed vacuum breakdown.

PubMed

Efimenko, Evgeny S; Bashinov, Aleksei V; Bastrakov, Sergei I; Gonoskov, Arkady A; Muraviev, Alexander A; Meyerov, Iosif B; Kim, Arkady V; Sergeev, Alexander M

2018-02-05

Triggering vacuum breakdown at laser facility is expected to provide rapid electron-positron pair production for studies in laboratory astrophysics and fundamental physics. However, the density of the produced plasma may cease to increase at a relativistic critical density, when the plasma becomes opaque. Here, we identify the opportunity of breaking this limit using optimal beam configuration of petawatt-class lasers. Tightly focused laser fields allow generating plasma in a small focal volume much less than λ 3 and creating extreme plasma states in terms of density and produced currents. These states can be regarded to be a new object of nonlinear plasma physics. Using 3D QED-PIC simulations we demonstrate a possibility of reaching densities over 10 25  cm -3 , which is an order of magnitude higher than expected earlier. Controlling the process via initial target parameters provides an opportunity to reach the discovered plasma states at the upcoming laser facilities.

Novel Prospects for Plasma Spray-Physical Vapor Deposition of Columnar Thermal Barrier Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anwaar, Aleem; Wei, Lianglinag; Guo, Qian; Zhang, Baopeng; Guo, Hongbo

2017-12-01

Plasma spray-physical vapor deposition (PS-PVD) is an emerging coating technique that can produce columnar thermal barrier coatings from vapor phase. Feedstock treatment at the start of its trajectory in the plasma torch nozzle is important for such vapor-phase deposition. This study describes the effects of the plasma composition (Ar/He) on the plasma characteristics, plasma-particle interaction, and particle dynamics at different points spatially distributed inside the plasma torch nozzle. The results of calculations show that increasing the fraction of argon in the plasma gas mixture enhances the momentum and heat flow between the plasma and injected feedstock. For the plasma gas combination of 45Ar/45He, the total enthalpy transferred to a representative powder particle inside the plasma torch nozzle is highest ( 9828 kJ/kg). Moreover, due to the properties of the plasma, the contribution of the cylindrical throat, i.e., from the feed injection point (FIP) to the start of divergence (SOD), to the total transferred energy is 69%. The carrier gas flow for different plasma gas mixtures was also investigated by optical emission spectroscopy (OES) measurements of zirconium emissions. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coating microstructures were produced when using selected plasma gas compositions and corresponding carrier gas flows; structural morphologies were found to be in good agreement with OES and theoretical predictions. Quasicolumnar microstructure was obtained with porosity of 15% when applying the plasma composition of 45Ar/45He.