Abstract: This invention relates to thermal spray coatings and processes onto non-smooth surfaces. The coating and processes can coat non-smooth surfaces without substantial degradation of the underlying surface texture or profile of the non-smooth surfaces so as to sufficiently preserve the underlying surface texture or profile. The ability for coating fractional coverage to maintain the surface profile while maintaining wear resistance is unprecedented by conventional thermal spray processes.

Abstract: Novel slurry formulations and processes for forming improved protective coatings used in the hot section components of gas turbine engines are provided. The process includes a unique two-step deposition methodology whereby the required concentration of reactive element within an improved reactive element doped aluminide coating can be consistently produced in a reproducible manner.

Abstract: A novel dual layer mask formulation is provided. In particular, the mask has a unique composition that protects the integrity of an underlying chromide coating, prevents chromium depletion from the chromide coating and prevents a subsequent aluminide coating from being deposited thereon.

Abstract: Unique and improved chromizing processes are disclosed. The processes involve forming localized chromizing coatings onto selected regions of a substrate. The chromium diffusion coatings are locally applied to selected regions of substrates in a controlled manner, in comparison to conventional chromizing processes, and further in a manner that produces less material waste and does not require diffusion-stop-off masking. Prior to or after a localized slurry chromizing process of the present invention, a layer of a platinum-group-metal (PGM) is applied to produce a PGM-modified chromium diffusion coating onto selected regions of a substrate. A second coating can be selectively applied onto other regions of the substrate.

Abstract: A unique sequence of steps is provided to reduce contaminants along one or more surfaces and faces of gold evaporative sources without deleteriously impacting the structure of the gold evaporative sources. Edges are deburred; contaminants are successfully removed therealong; and surface smoothness is substantially retained. The resultant gold evaporative source is suitable for use in evaporative processes as a precursor to gold film deposition without the occurrence or a substantial reduction in the likelihood of spitting by virtue of significantly reduced levels of contaminants, in comparison to gold evaporative sources subject to a standard cleaning protocol.

Abstract: Unique and improved chromium coatings derived from modified chromium-containing slurry formulations are disclosed. The slurry formulation includes a combination of a selected halide activator and buffer material that synergistically interact with each other to form chromium diffusion coatings with improved microstructure in comparison to chromium diffusion coatings produced from conventional chromizing processes. The coatings may be locally applied in a controlled manner with accuracy onto various parts, including those having internal sections with complex geometries, without masking any portion thereof.

Abstract: A modified electroplated nickel-based metallic alloy coating and method of forming the same is provided. The electroplated coatings exhibit unique microstructure and composition which improves performance over conventional metallic materials. The coatings have significantly higher strength at elevated service temperatures.

Abstract: A unique sequence of steps is provided to reduce contaminants along one or more surfaces and faces of gold evaporative sources without deleteriously impacting the structure of the gold evaporative sources. Edges are deburred; contaminants are successfully removed therealong; and surface smoothness is substantially retained. The resultant gold evaporative source is suitable for use in evaporative processes as a precursor to gold film deposition without the occurrence or a substantial reduction in the likelihood of spitting by virtue of significantly reduced levels of contaminants, in comparison to gold evaporative sources subject to a standard cleaning protocol.

Abstract: A modular, rotisserie type tooling fixture assembly for use in a coating operation and method of its use are disclosed. The tooling fixture assembly includes an arbor or shaft and a retaining base with a plurality of anchor members disposed in a prescribed radial orientation from the center of the retaining base, the anchor members are uniquely configured or adapted to retain a plurality of workpieces to be coated. The tooling fixture assembly further comprises a unique workpiece masking arrangement that employs a unitary masking cap having a plurality of solid walls or surfaces adapted to cover portions of the plurality of workpieces in a masking relationship.

Abstract: A method for applying an aluminide coating includes applying an aluminum-based slurry onto an elongated member. The elongate member is introduced through an opening of a component and positioned within a cavity of the component at a location that is spaced apart from the internal surfaces of the component. Heat is applied to generate vaporized aluminum which diffuses into the internal surfaces of the component. Aluminum reacts with the internal surfaces to form an aluminide coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel and improved high purity diffusion bonded copper (Cu) sputtering targets having a Cu purity level of 99.9999% (6N) or greater. The target assemblies of the present invention exhibit sufficient bond strength and microstructural homogeneity, both of which are properties previously considered mutually exclusive for conventional 6N Cu target assemblies. The grain structure is characterized by an absence of alloying elements and the bonded interface is generally flat without any type of interlayer or interlocking arrangement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a robot programming method that is carried out at a first location (i.e., teaching station) and a second location (i.e., application station). The second location is different from the first location. At the first location, teach data is prepared to teach motions to a robot to drive an end effector through a series of desired path points along a desired path of motion with respect to the application station. The teach data comprises at least one of robot position data elements and at least one of robot motion pattern data elements. At the second location, teach data is communicated to the robot and the robot is programmed in accordance with the teach data to drive the end effector through the series of desired path points along the desired path of motion with respect to the application station. This invention also relates to a robot programming system. The robot programming method and system are useful, for example, in thermal spray coating applications.

Abstract: A high surface finish, thermally stable, multilayer slurry-based overlay system suitable for use in a severe thermal environment is disclosed. The disclosed embodiments include a basecoat layer formed from a slurry comprising ceramic pigment filled phosphate-based binder, a second layer formed from a slurry comprising metal oxide pigment or ceramic oxide pigment filled phosphate-based binder, and an optional seal coat layer formed from a phosphate-based binder substantially free of pigments.

Abstract: Unique and improved chromizing processes are disclosed. The processes involve forming localized chromizing coatings onto selected regions of a substrate. The chromium diffusion coatings are locally applied to selected regions of substrates in a controlled manner, in comparison to conventional chromizing processes, and further in a manner that produces less material waste and does not require masking. A second coating can be selectively applied onto other regions of the substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermally sprayed coatings having an amorphous-nanocrystalline-microcrystalline composition structure, said thermally sprayed coating comprising from about 1 to about 95 volume percent of an amorphous phase, from about 1 to about 80 volume percent of a nanocrystalline phase, and from about 1 to about 90 volume percent of a microcrystalline phase, and wherein said amorphous phase, nanocrystalline phase and microcrystalline phase comprise about 100 volume percent of said thermally sprayed coating. This invention also relates to methods for producing the coatings, thermal spray processes for producing the coatings, and articles coated with the coatings. The thermally sprayed coatings of this invention provide enhanced wear and corrosion resistance for articles used in severe environments (e.g., landing gears, airframes, ball valves, gate valves (gates and seats), pot rolls, and work rolls for paper processing).

Abstract: A novel chromate-free multi-layer coating system composed of a lithium-doped potassium silicate binder based basecoat composition that is sealed with an aluminum phosphate-based top coat composition is described. The multi-layer coating system exhibits superior corrosion and heat oxidation resistance which can replace traditional chromate-containing coating systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to high purity yttria or ytterbia stabilized zirconia powders comprising from about 0 to about 0.15 weight percent impurity oxides, from about 0 to about 2 weight percent hafnium oxide (hafnia), from about 6 to about 25 weight percent yttrium oxide (yttria) or from about 10 to about 36 weight percent ytterbium oxide (ytterbia), and the balance zirconium oxide (zirconia). Thermal barrier coatings for protecting a component such as blades, vanes and seal surfaces of gas turbine engines, made from the high purity yttria or ytterbia stabilized zirconia powders, have a density greater than 88% of the theoretical density with a plurality of verticalzA macrocracks homogeneously dispersed throughout the coating to improve its thermal fatigue resistance.

Abstract: A composition based on a certain chromium-free silicate-based binder is described. The one-part slurry composition is an aqueous solution of lithium-doped potassium silicate in combination with an aluminum or aluminum alloy powder. The one-part slurry composition produces a corresponding coating exhibiting improved performance at a reduced coating thickness.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermal spray coatings, powders useful in deposition of the thermal spray coatings, methods of producing the powders, and uses of the thermal spray coatings, for example, coating of piston rings and cylinder liners of internal combustion engines. The coatings of this invention are applied by thermal spray deposition of a powder. The powder contains bimetallic carbides of chromium and molybdenum dispersed in a matrix metal. The matrix metal contains nickel/chromium/molybdenum.

Abstract: A layer system and a method for producing a component having such a layer system are provided. The layer system includes a substrate a substrate, at least one MCrX layer on the substrate, and a chromium-rich layer on or in the at least one MCrX layer. X includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of yttrium (Y), silicon (Si), aluminum (Al) and boron (B). M includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co).