Oxidation Protection via Nanocrystalline Coatings

75097-The use of stainless steel at elevated temperatures, needed for a variety of energy-related applications, can be limited by the growth of an oxide scale that can spill during operation and ultimately contribute to component failure. This project will develop an economical nanocrystalline coating, without using costly alloy additions, to improve the oxidation resistance of stainless steel at elevated temperatures by reducing the amount of oxide scale. The research will focus on the choice of coating materials, optimization of application processes, and determination of mechanical and chemical properties of the coated components. In Phase I, different oxide materials will be compared, using results obtained with university manufactured raw material and comparing these to commercially available nanomaterials of slightly variable size. Oxidation resistance will be measured as a function of material and application methods. Comparisons to current technology will be conducted. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Energy-based applications for this coating include fossil energy system components, heat exchangers, reheater pipes, solar collectors/panels, refrigeration and heating equipment, vacuum and gas chambers, hydrogen fuel cell components, and flame stabilizers. Other applications include surgical components, fan accessories, inlet-outlet transitions, automobile exhaust systems, aircraft cables and wires, and bearing rods.