Porous Matrix Coating for High Temperature Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys face challenges in practical application due to difficulties in manufacture, limited formability, machinability, weldability, and repairability, as well as insufficient bonding to substrates, limiting their use as coatings for superalloy components.

Innovation Solution

A process involving a porous matrix of high-temperature materials like metal oxides or ceramics is applied to a substrate, where an impregnating material is melted to fuse with the substrate while maintaining the matrix's structural integrity, forming a strengthening and protective high-temperature network coating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If ODS alloys are used as coatings on superalloy components, then high temperature strength and oxidation resistance are improved, but bonding to substrate is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh temperature strengthVSAvoidbonding to substrate
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coating system is segmented into three distinct layers: a porous matrix layer (40-80 micrometers thick) providing structural framework, an intermediate bonding layer (20-50 micrometers thick) ensuring substrate adhesion, and an outer protective layer (10-30 micrometers thick) providing oxidation resistance. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function while ensuring reliable bonding between the ODS coating and superalloy substrate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coating employs composite material structure combining porous ceramic matrix (e.g., alumina, zirconia) with metal interlayers. The porous matrix provides high temperature strength, while the metallic intermediate layer (containing elements like Al, Ti, or Ni) ensures strong bonding to the superalloy substrate, resolving the contradiction between strength and bonding reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If ODS alloys are applied as coatings, then mechanical strength is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical manufacturing processes with a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or plasma spray process. The coating is applied by depositing precursor materials that are then converted to the final coating structure through thermal or plasma processing, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving the desired three-layer structure with precise thickness control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This method provides a robust, high-temperature coating that enhances mechanical strength and resistance to creep, while preventing coating spallation and improving thermal protection, making it suitable for superalloy components like gas turbine blades.

Implementation Method 1

melt an impregnating material on the porous matrix to impregnate the porous matrix with the material. The porous matrix does not substantially melt during the process.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

applying energy to melt the impregnating material and a portion of the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy application: Heating

Implementation Method 3

The porous matrix does not substantially melt during the process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal resistance: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3180144B1Method of creating coatings having a porous matrix for high temperature components
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 SIEMENS ENERGY INC
  • EP3180144B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3180144B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for forming a coating on a substrate is provided. To an assembly 10 including a substrate 12, a porous matrix 14 on the substrate 12, and an impregnating material 16 on or within the porous matrix 14, the method includes applying an amount of energy 18 from an energy source 20 effective to melt the impregnating material 16 and a portion of the substrate. In this way, the impregnating material 16 impregnates the porous matrix 14. The method further includes cooling the assembly 10 to provide a coating 26 comprising the porous matrix 14 integrated with the substrate 12.