A Coating That Protects Against Heat and Oxidation
MUNICH, Germany - Researchers have developed a coating technique that they plan to use to protect turbine engine and waste incinerator components against heat and oxidation. A topcoat from micro-scaled hollow aluminum oxide spheres provides heat insulation, in the lab, already proved more economical than conventional techniques.
Gases don’t conduct heat as well as solids do. Cellular or aerated concretes take advantage of this effect, which experts call “gas-phase insulation.” The heat barrier is achieved by air encased in the cavities of the concrete. But gas-phase insulation has far greater potential than keeping our homes warm. It can also be used to protect turbine engine and waste incinerator components when subjected to intense heat. All that is needed is to transfer this effect to a coating that is just a few hundred micrometers thick.