Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of coating a gas turbine engine component using a powder coating process. The method comprises providing a gas turbine engine component; and applying a powder coating to the gas turbine engine component using the powder coating process. The powder coating is applied in a dry form without an organic solvent. The method further comprises heating the applied powder coating to melt and fuse particles of the powder coating to the gas turbine engine component and cure the powder coating.

Abstract: Electrostatic deposition of high performance powdered materials onto gas turbine surfaces. The process also includes post-deposition thermal staging of the deposited powder to provide a durable coating that will satisfy the demands of turbine engine operation. The process envisions application of organic-based powdered materials, glass/ceramic powdered materials and metal-based powdered materials and combinations thereof using electrostatic techniques to components exposed to low temperature operations, such as may be found in the front section of a gas turbine engine or to the exterior portions of an aircraft engine, and metal-containing glass ceramics, glass-ceramic materials, or materials that can be transformed into glass ceramic materials, when applied to components exposed to high temperature operations, such as may be found in the turbine and exhaust sections of a gas turbine engine or the flaps of an aircraft.

Abstract: An article is prepared by furnishing a plurality of powder particle substrates made of a substrate metal, providing a nonmetallic precursor of a metallic coating material, wherein the metallic coating material comprises an alloying element that is thermophysically melt incompatible with the substrate metal, contacting the powder particle substrates with the nonmetallic precursor, chemically reducing the nonmetallic precursor to form coated powder particles comprising the powder particle substrates having a surface-enriched layer of the metallic coating material thereon without melting the powder particle substrates, and processing the coated powder particles to form the article, without melting the powder particle substrates.

Abstract: A composition comprising a corrosion resistant metal particulate component comprising aluminum-containing metal particulates, wherein the aluminum-containing metal particulates have a phosphate and/or silica-containing insulating layer; and a glass-forming binder component. Also disclosed is a method comprising the following steps: (a) providing an article comprising a metal substrate; (b) imparting to the metal substrate an electrical charge; and (c) electrostatically depositing a coating composition on the electrically charged metal substrate, wherein the coating composition comprises aluminum-containing metal particulates having a phosphate and/or silica-containing insulating layer; and glass-forming binder component.

Abstract: A composition comprising a liquid mixture having: a corrosion resistant metal particulate component comprising aluminum-containing metal particulates, wherein the aluminum-containing metal particulates have a phosphate and/or silica-containing insulating layer; a glass-forming binder component; and a liquid carrier component. Also disclosed is a method comprising the following steps: (a) providing an article comprising a metal substrate; (b) imparting to the metal substrate an electrical charge; and (c) electrostatically applying a liquid coating composition to the electrically charged metal substrate, wherein the liquid coating composition comprises a liquid mixture having: a corrosion resistant metal particulate component comprising aluminum-containing metal particulates having a phosphate and/or silica-containing insulating layer; glass-forming binder component; and a liquid carrier component.

Abstract: A mold tool for forming a reinforced matrix composite part for a gas turbine engine, comprising a body. The body comprises a body surface capable of receiving a first portion of a composite preform. A first endplate and second endplate are attached to the body and include a substantially planar surface disposed perpendicular to the body surface. A first and second set of plates are attached to the first and second endplate adjacent to the body surface and have a geometries that includes a first and second cavity bounded by the first and second plate and first and second endplate. The first and second cavities have a volume sufficient to receive a second portion of a composite preform. The second cavity is in fluid communication with the first cavity, which is in fluid communication with a vacuum source.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a reinforced matrix composite comprising the step of providing a composite preform having a fibrous structure and applying matrix material onto the preform in locations along the preform. A barrier material is applied to at least a portion of the coated preform to direct the flow of matrix material into the preform. The composite preform is heated to a temperature sufficient to render the matrix material viscous and insufficient to cure the matrix material. The pressure to the interior of the composite preform is reduced, while the pressure to the barrier material is increased. The temperature is maintained to flow the matrix material into the composite preform and to force gases from the fibrous structure. The composite preform is then cured and cooled to form a reinforced matrix composite having a low void content and a substantially uniform matrix distribution.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of coating a gas turbine engine component using a powder coating process. The method comprises providing a gas turbine engine component; and applying a powder coating to the gas turbine engine component using the powder coating process. The powder coating is applied in a dry form without an organic solvent. The method further comprises heating the applied powder coating to melt and fuse particles of the powder coating to the gas turbine engine component and cure the powder coating.

Abstract: Non-spherical particles including a major dimension, for example flakes of material, are positioned with the major dimension oriented generally along an article surface in respect to which the particle is disposed. The particles, disposed in a fluid medium, the viscosity of which can be increased to secure the particles in position, are positioned using a force from flow of the fluid medium on the particles.

Abstract: Non-spherical particles including a major dimension, for example flakes of material, are positioned with the major dimension oriented generally along an article surface in respect to which the particle is disposed. The particles, disposed in a fluid medium, the viscosity of which can be increased to secure the particles in position, are positioned using a force of gravity on the particles.

Abstract: A carbon composite construction includes carbon fibers having a controlled level of electrical resistance. The controlled level of electrical resistance is achieved by subjecting the carbon fibers to a predetermined stress level during the stabilization process. The carbon fibers produced by this method are blended with nonconductive fibers to produce the composite construction.