SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION

PROJECT SUMMARY

Proposal Number:

04.04-6000A

Project Title:

CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION OF TURBINE THERMAL BARRIER COATINGS

Technical Abstract:

Ceramic thermal barrier coatings extend the operating temperature range of actively cooled gas turbine components, increasing thermal efficiency. Performance and lifetime of existing ceramic coatings are limited by spallation during heating and cooling cycles. Spallation of the ceramic is a function of its microstructure, which is determined by deposition method. The proposed research will determine whether metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings, by varying their microstructure, meet NASA's need for thermal barrier coatings which perform better and are more affordable than those now applied by electron beam evaporators. Spire Corporation will use MOCVD, not previously evaluated for this application, to deposit YSZ coatings on coupons of turbine blade materials provided by a jet engine manufacturer. Spire will characterize the coatings' composition and crystal structure, while the manufacturer characterizes their response to thermal cycling in the turbine environment. In Phase II of the proposed research program, actual engine components will be coated and tested.

Potential Commercial Applications:

Existing coating techniques now used in jet engine manufacture would be replaced by MOCVD of YSZ if the material demonstrates improved performance or lower cost.

Name and Address of Offeror:

Spire Corporation
One Patriots Park
Bedford, MA 01730-2396