Al2O3 Roller Coating Resists AlSi Melt Infiltration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rollers in roller furnaces used for hot forming AlSi-coated metal parts suffer from corrosion, leading to short service life due to chemical reactions and infiltration, which results in thermal stresses and damage to the furnace components.

Innovation Solution

A ceramic roller with a coating comprising a base layer containing 10.0 - 30.0% Si, 10.0 - 30.0% Al(OH)3, 1.0 - 3.0% B4C, 0.5 - 1.5% Y2O3, and 0.1 - 1.0% Fe2O3, with the remainder being Al2O3 and unavoidable contamination, providing a hard surface that resists corrosion and wear, and a optional top layer with increased Y2O3 content for enhanced protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If SiO2 is used as a coating agent or ceramic binder, then the coating provides ceramic bonding and structural integrity, but the SiO2 is wetted by AlSi melt and reduced to metallic silicon, losing corrosion protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating structural integrityVSAvoidcorrosion protection
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes SiO2 from the coating composition entirely, extracting the harmful component that causes corrosion while maintaining coating integrity through alternative oxide combinations (Al2O3, ZrO2, Cr2O3, Y2O3, MgO, CaO, TiO2, FeO) that do not react with AlSi melt

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite oxide coating system combining multiple metal oxides (Al2O3 as base with 40-78.4 wt%, supplemented by ZrO2, Cr2O3, Y2O3, MgO, CaO, TiO2, FeO) to achieve both structural integrity and corrosion resistance, replacing the ineffective SiO2-based system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If AlSi diffuses into the roll structure, then the roll material provides initial corrosion resistance, but thermal stresses from expansion differences cause spalling and breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial corrosion resistanceVSAvoidthermal stress resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies a preliminary protective oxide coating on the roller surface that prevents AlSi diffusion into the roll structure before corrosion can occur. The coating acts as a barrier layer that stops the harmful diffusion process at the interface, preventing subsequent thermal stress and spalling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The oxide coating serves as an intermediary layer between the AlSi-coated steel sheets and the roller base material. This intermediate layer prevents direct contact and diffusion between AlSi and the roller structure, mediating the interaction to eliminate corrosion and thermal stress problems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If AlSi adheres to the roll surface, then the coating provides initial protection, but buildup of several millimeters causes sheet displacement and damage to furnace components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial surface protectionVSAvoidcontinuous operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the potential harmful adhesion of AlSi to the roll surface into a beneficial non-sticking property by creating an oxide coating surface that AlSi melt cannot wet or adhere to. The coating transforms the roll surface into a corrosion-resistant, non-adhesive barrier that prevents buildup entirely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The coating significantly extends the service life of the rollers by preventing infiltration and reaction with AlSi alloys, reducing wear and maintaining corrosion resistance even under high-temperature conditions, allowing for longer operation without damage or breakage.

Implementation Method 1

The coating significantly extends the service life of the rollers by preventing infiltration and reaction with AlSi alloys, reducing wear and maintaining corrosion resistance even under high-temperature conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorrosion resistance:

Implementation Method 2

The bearing surface coating is intended to reduce the wettability of the rollers to AlSi molten metals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWetting: Wetting

Implementation Method 3

For roller kilns operating at temperatures > 600°C, ceramic rollers are necessary due to their temperature resistance, creep resistance and thermal shock resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal shock resistance:

Implementation Method 4

Possible corrosion mechanisms include the diffusion of AlSi into the porous structure of the roll

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3484838B1Roller for a roller furnace having at least one coating on the surface
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 SAINT GOBAIN INDUSTRIE KERAMIK RODENTAL GMBH
  • EP3484838B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a roller for a roller furnace, comprising a roller base body and a coating on the surface, the coating comprising at least one layer, containing: 10.0 - 30.0 wt.% of Si, 10.0 - 30.0 wt.% of Al(OH)3, 1.0 - 3.0 wt.% of B4C, 0.5 - 1.5 wt.% of Y2O3, 0.1 - 1.0 wt.% of Fe2O3, the remainder being Al2O3.