Surface Modification of Alloys for Ultra-Supercritical Coal-Fired Boilers via Directed Vapor Deposition

One of the available options for improved coal conversion is the development of ultra-supercritical (USC) high efficiency, coal-fired power plants that operate at much higher steam temperatures and pressures than current plants. In turn, the advancement of current coal fired boilers to USC conditions will require the development of cost effective materials solutions. Higher strength, creep resistant materials having high-temperature oxidation and corrosion resistance are desired for key boiler components. One cost-effective means to meet these challenging materials requirements is the use of coatings for corrosion and oxidation protection. Therefore, this project will develop advanced coatings and coating deposition techniques for components of USC coal-fired boilers that require improved protection from high temperature oxidizing, sulfidizing, and carbonaceous environments. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new coatings should speed the adoption of USC boilers, which would be highly beneficial to the economics and cleanliness of the power industry, and would help solidify the availability of cheap electrical power for several decades. Other applications of the technology include oil refining and coal gasification.