IFTHSE Global 21: heat treatment and surface engineering in the twenty-first century Part 10 – Thermal spray coatings: a technology review

Thermal spray coatings (TSCs) are used widely in all major industrial sectors and are a cost effective technique for surface engineering solutions. These coatings are used, for example, as wear resistant layers, thermal barrier coatings and within aqueous corrosion environments. Metals, polymers, ceramics and combinations of these materials can be deposited within an industrial shop setting or in the field at the point of use. The thermal spray technique has been well documented from the perspective of the operational science and engineering applications. The economic perspective is not as well known since currency changes and local market conditions are fluid. There is, though, a wealth of information concerning success stories of TSCs within the various sectors of industry. This paper focuses on applications of TSCs within mainstream industrial sectors. The intent is to relate the microstructure and so formed physical properties of TSCs to their benefits and attributes as solutions for adverse engineering environments.