Newswise — As part of the ASM Thermal Spray Society (TSS) mission to be the leading global source for thermal spray information, TSS produces the free e-mail service "Spray Tips" for anyone with interest in thermal spray technology and applications. The latest SprayTips topic covers "Metallography of NiCrAl/Bentonite Abradable Coatings."
According to the article by TSS Board Member Doug Puerta, KHA Metallurgical, Portland, Oregon:
"Abradable coatings (such as Ni-4Cr-4Al/Bentonite) entail a family of coatings used throughout jet engines, primarily as sacrificial coatings into which moving components wear. The coatings generally consist of a metallic phase and a nonmetallic phase, and contain relatively high porosity levels (to 40%). Typical locations for application of an abradable coating include the fan, and low- and high-pressure compressor sections."
"The composite nature of abradable coatings presents unique challenges from a metallography standpoint. Due to thickness and porosity considerations, vacuum impregnation with a low-viscosity cold mount epoxy is the recommended mounting method. To facilitate impregnation with fast-cure epoxies (which are typically more viscous than slow-cure epoxies), the resin can be heated to approximately 150°F (65°C) prior to mixing with the hardener. Holding the epoxy at elevated temperature for 15 to 20 minutes should result in a significant improvement in the viscosity of the epoxy."
On the first and third Tuesdays of each month, TSS SprayTips delivers a similar nugget of quality technical information via e-mail, and provides links to more detailed information available to TSS members. For a free subscription and to view the online archives, visit http://www.asminternational.org/tss.
Founded in 1994 as an Affiliate Society of ASM International, TSS is comprised of 1,500 individuals around the globe representing over 500 leading companies, research institutions and universities. The TSS Board of Directors is focused on the following objectives:
"¢ Increase membership in existing/new segments "¢ Enhance corporate visibility/value proposition "¢ Enhance value proposition for members through new products and services "¢ Engage industry/academic leaders in society "¢ Increase outreach to promote thermal spray technology outside our own industry "¢ Increase global exposure "¢ Ensure financial stability "¢ Refine society leadership succession planning
To learn more about TSS and its ongoing efforts to serve the worldwide thermal spray community, contact Sarina Pastoric, Administrator, Affiliate Programs at 440/338-5151 ext. 5513 or [email protected].
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