Flame-Assisted Flash Sintering for Ceramic-Coated Heat Exchangers

ABSTRACT:In this Phase II effort, nGimat will utilize its newly-developed FAFS technique to sinter ceramic films to metal substrates.The FAFS method was developed and proved feasible through a Phase I SBIR grant and we will expand our understanding of the technique through thorough R&D in Phase II.Sintered samples will undergo thorough surface and mechanical analysis to validate the FAFS process.Sintering of multiple ceramics onto metals substrates will also be demonstrated in Phase II.At the end of the effort, a prototype system capable of sintering research samples will be delivered.BENEFIT:The anticipated benefits/commercial applications of the Phase II R&D are low-cost, high-performance ceramic coatings in high-temperature applications such as heat exchangers, thermal barrier coatings, and solid-oxide fuel cells.