Corrosion inhibiting high temperature coating

Corrosion degradation is a significant failure mechanism for naval aircraft components, because they are used in environments with high humidity and salt content. Gas turbine engines provide excellent range and speed to fighter and strike aircraft, but often suffer from corrosion damage. In particular, the high- and low-pressure compressor stages with the engine require frequent repair and/or replacement due to severe corrosion and pitting, which leads to high maintenance costs, increased engine removals, and reduced aircraft readiness. In this Phase I SBIR project, TDA Research will develop a corrosion inhibiting coating that can withstand the high temperatures and mechanical stresses experienced in both the low- and high-pressure compressor stages. The coating will consist of a ceramic matrix that incorporates highly effective corrosion inhibitors, and will be applied via a room temperature solution process.  The coating will be tested for protection against environmental corrosion, thermal stability, and mechanical durability. In the Phase I Option, TDA will demonstrate the application of our coating to three-dimensional (non-planar) test specimens made of two dissimilar materials (as is often the use case within the compressor). These test specimens will be used to demonstrate the ability of our coating to prevent galvanic and crevice corrosion.