Ion Beam and Plasma Based Alternatives to Chrome Plating of Gas Turbine Engine Parts

摘要

At virtually every DOD facility, the current refurbishment processes for gas turbine engines (GTEs) involves electrolytic hard chromium (EHC) plating. EHC involves the use and release of hexavalent chromium, a human carcinogen. Because of the environmental and health issues associated with hexavalent chromium, the DOD has been searching for alternative methods and/or coatings for repairing worn surfaces. This presentation will discuss a National Defense Center for Environmental Excellence (NDCEE) project that is investigating ion beam and plasma-based deposition and surface modification techniques that can reduce or eliminate EHC operations. Ideally, a repair process/material combination may only need to be applied once during the life of the repaired part.