Codeposition of Refractory Ir-Al Alloys

The materials used in current thruster technology meet the performance parameters and environmental constraints needed for missile and space defense with difficulty at best and even then only with a high penalty in cost and weight. Spacecraft chemical propulsion systems with higher performance capabilities (IsP) offer mission advantages for station keeping, orbit repositioning, and orbit transfer if thrust chamber operating lifetimes could be extended. Higher melting points, (4900 F) equivalent or better oxidation resistant and reduced starting material costs (Al is 1/10 the cost of Ir) compared to pure Ir make Ir-Al alloys very attractive materials. Ceramic Composites, Inc. is pleased to propose an innovative, low temperature method for chemical vapor codeposition of a series of refractory, oxidation resistant, iridium/aluminum alloys with superior protective capabilities for a wide variety of propulsion system components. The unique ability to codeposit iridium and aluminum as protective coatings for C fiber composites and refractory metals represents a breakthrough technology. The best Ir-Al composition will be applied to a C fiber Re matrix rocket thruster.