NiCrAlY Liner

Kinetic Metallization™ (KM) successfully deposits oxidation resistant NiCrAlY coatings on to GrCop-84 rocket liners for NASA – Glenn Research Center. A CuCrAl bond-coat helped to mitigate the formation of Kirkendall voids due to increased diffusion across the NiCrAlY/GrCop-84 interface. This is attributed to the metallurgical bond nature of KM deposited coatings. The micrograph shows the fully-dense nature of the KM coating deposited on to a copper substrate. Note that the copper was not grit-blasted prior to deposition.

KM has been used to apply MCrAlY coatings for thermal protection in a variety of applications including rocket nozzles and gas turbine engine components. KM application of MCrAlY creates fully dense coatings and strong metallurgical bonds without the need for high-temperature heat-treatment in a vacuum to facilitate inter-diffusion. The low temperature of KM minimizes segregation, oxidation, and precipitation of the constituents, which creates more uniform and longer lasting protective surfaces.