Abstract: Methods are provided for producing large volumes of small antenna arrays. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of creating an antenna array pattern as a computer file, printing the created pattern onto the surface of a suitable transfer paper, placing the printed image surface in contact with the surface of a material to be etched, and transferring the printed image to the surface of the material to be etched. The transfer can be effected by any combination of chemicals, heat, and/or pressure. After transfer of the printed image, the transfer paper is removed. The step of removing the transfer paper optionally includes wetting the transfer paper in a manner that dissolves the transfer paper leaving the printed antenna pattern on the surface of the material to be etched.

Abstract: An optical coating is applied to an article surface of an article by providing a deposition substrate other than the article surface, wherein the deposition substrate is made of a removable material. The optical coating is thereafter deposited onto the deposition substrate. The optical coating is thereafter transferred to the article surface using a transfer support, which may be the deposition substrate or may be a different piece. The method includes thereafter affixing the optical coating to the article surface, and thereafter removing the transfer support.

Abstract: A method for forming a ceramic layer on the surface of a turbine component. This method comprises the following steps: (a) providing a turbine component having a surface; (b) providing at least one ceramic tape overlaying the component surface; and (c) manually pressing the at least one ceramic tape against the component surface at a temperature of from about 150° to about 700° F. (from about 66° to about 371° C.) so as to cause the at least one ceramic tape to adhere to the component surface.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing large volumes of small antenna arrays. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of creating an antenna array pattern as a computer file, printing the created pattern onto the surface of a suitable transfer paper, placing the printed image surface in contact with the surface of a material to be etched, and transferring the printed image to the surface of the material to be etched. The transfer can be effected by any combination of chemicals, heat, and/or pressure. After transfer of the printed image, the transfer paper is removed. The step of removing the transfer paper optionally includes wetting the transfer paper in a manner that dissolves the transfer paper leaving the printed antenna pattern on the surface of the material to be etched.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing large volumes of small antenna arrays. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of creating an antenna array pattern as a computer file, printing the created pattern onto the surface of a suitable transfer paper, placing the printed image surface in contact with the surface of a material to be etched, and transferring the printed image to the surface of the material to be etched. The transfer can be effected by any combination of chemicals, heat, and/or pressure. After transfer of the printed image, the transfer paper is removed. The step of removing the transfer paper optionally includes wetting the transfer paper in a manner that dissolves the transfer paper leaving the printed antenna pattern on the surface of the material to be etched.

Abstract: An optical coating is applied to an article surface of an article by applying a first release system to a deposition substrate, and depositing the optical coating onto the deposition substrate. A second release system and transfer substrate is applied to the second face of the optical coating. The first release system is dissolvable in a first-release-coating solvent that does not dissolve the second release system. The first release system is dissolved in the first-release-coating solvent that does not dissolve the second release system, to separate the optical coating from the deposition substrate. The first face of the optical coating is affixed to the article surface, and the transfer substrate is separated from the optical coating. Any of a variety of affixing techniques may be used.

Abstract: A coating and method for overcoating a TBC on a component used in a high-temperature environment, such as the combustor section of an industrial gas turbine. The coating defines the outermost surface of the component and is formed of at least two layers having different compositions. An inner layer of the coating contains alumina in a first silica-containing matrix material that is free of zinc titanate. An outer layer of the coating contains alumina, a glass material, and zinc titanate in a second silica-containing matrix material. The outer layer of the coating has a surface roughness of not greater than three micrometers Ra and forms the outermost surface of the component. The coating reduces the component temperature by reducing the convective and radiant heat transfer thereto.

Abstract: A method of repairing a thermal barrier coating (16) on a component (10) designed for use in a hostile thermal environment, such as turbine, combustor and augmentor components of a gas turbine engine. The method more particularly involves repairing a thermal barrier coating (16) on a component (10) that has suffered localized spallation (20) of the thermal barrier coating (16). After cleaning the surface area (22) of the component (10) exposed by the localized spallation (20), a ceramic paste (24) comprising a ceramic powder in a binder is applied to the surface area (22) of the component (10). The binder is then reacted to yield a ceramic-containing repair coating (26) that covers the surface area of the component and comprises the ceramic powder in a matrix of a material formed when the binder was reacted.

Abstract: A method of repairing a thermal barrier coating (16) on a component (10) designed for use in a hostile thermal environment, such as turbine, combustor and augmentor components of a gas turbine engine. The method more particularly involves repairing a thermal barrier coating (16) on a component (10) that has suffered localized spallation (20) of the thermal barrier coating (16). After cleaning the surface area (22) of the component (10) exposed by the localized spallation (20), a ceramic paste (24) comprising a ceramic powder in a binder is applied to the surface area (22) of the component (10). The binder is then reacted to yield a ceramic-containing repair coating (26) that covers the surface area of the component and comprises the ceramic powder in a matrix of a material formed when the binder was reacted.

Abstract: A protective coating and coating method for protecting a thermal barrier coating (TBC) on a component, such as a component of a gas turbine engine. The protective coating comprises alumina particles in a silica-containing matrix, and may be substantially homogeneous or formed of multiple layers having different compositions. The composition and relative amounts of alumina and matrix material in the protective coating enable the coating to react with molten compounds containing calcia, magnesia, alumina and/or silica (CMAS), forming a compound with a melting temperature that is significantly higher than CMAS. As such, infiltration of molten CMAS into the TBC is significantly reduced or entirely avoided.

Abstract: A method of repairing a thermal barrier coating on a component designed for use in a hostile thermal environment, such as turbine, combustor and augmentor components of a gas turbine engine. The method more particularly involves repairing a thermal barrier coating on a component that has suffered localized spallation of the thermal barrier coating. After cleaning the surface area of the component exposed by the localized spallation, a ceramic paste comprising a ceramic powder in a binder is applied to the surface area of the component. The binder is then reacted to yield a ceramic-containing repair coating that covers the surface area of the component and comprises the ceramic powder in a matrix of a material formed when the binder was reacted. The binder is preferably a ceramic precursor material that can be converted immediately to a ceramic or allowed to thermally decompose over time to form a ceramic, such that the repair coating has a ceramic matrix.