Ceramic Composite Coating for High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high-temperature structural components, such as those in combustion chambers and hypersonic vehicles, face limitations in withstanding high thermo-mechanical and thermo-chemical stresses, particularly at temperatures above 1400°C, where traditional metallic materials lose strength and oxidation resistance.

Innovation Solution

A ceramic composite structure with a base material of ceramic fibers and matrix, coated with a layer of metal borides, metal carbides, or metal nitrides, specifically ZrB2 and SiC, using a plasma jet technique to create a graded surface with enhanced oxidation resistance and thermal stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional metallic materials are used for high-temperature structural components, then manufacturing and processing are easier, but they lose strength and oxidation resistance at temperatures above 1400°C

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating temperatureVSAvoidstrength at high temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a ceramic matrix composite base material (CMC) coated with ultra-high-temperature ceramic (UHTC) layers. This composite approach combines the low-density advantages of ceramic composites with the extreme temperature resistance of UHTC materials, enabling operation above 1400°C while maintaining structural integrity and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies a graded coating structure where different UHTC materials are deposited in specific layers with controlled thicknesses and compositions. The coating transitions from oxidation-resistant outer layers to thermally stable inner layers, creating local property variations that optimize both oxidation resistance and thermal shock resistance at different interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If ceramic composite materials are used for high-temperature applications, then oxidation resistance improves, but thermal shock resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation resistanceVSAvoidthermal shock resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the coating structure by introducing intermediate layers with graded composition and controlled porosity. These intermediate layers act as buffer zones that gradually transition between the CMC base material and the dense UHTC outer coating, reducing thermal gradient stresses and improving thermal shock resistance while maintaining oxidation resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a dense coating structure is applied to improve oxidation resistance, then protection against oxidation improves, but stress relief capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation protectionVSAvoidstress relief capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates controlled porosity in intermediate coating layers to create a graded structure. The porous intermediate layers serve as stress relief zones that accommodate thermal expansion differences between the dense UHTC outer coating and the CMC base material, preventing coating delamination while maintaining oxidation protection through the outer dense layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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 solution provides a lightweight, high-temperature-resistant structure capable of operating at temperatures exceeding 1400°C with improved oxidation resistance and thermal shock behavior, extending the service life of components in extreme conditions.

Implementation Method 1

coating the basic structure with a UHTC coating (3) using a plasma jet technique

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma spray: Plasma Spray

Data Source

PatentEP4029967A1Structure or component for high temperature applications and method and device for its manufacture
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH
  • EP4029967A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4029967A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4029967A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To create structures that can withstand high-temperature applications with higher process temperatures and harsh chemical conditions, the invention provides a structure for high-temperature applications, comprising a base structure made of a ceramic composite material and a coating of a metal-semimetal compound, a metal boride and/or a metal carbide and/or a metal nitride. A manufacturing method and a coating device for use therein are further described.