July/August_AMP_Digital

A D V A N C E D M A T E R I A L S & P R O C E S S E S | J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 3 6 iTSSe TSS iTSSe TSS 2 RESEARCH DRIVES CONTINUOUS INNOVATION W orking for more than two de- cades on thermal spray tech- nology advancements could lead some researchers to exhaustion or reduce their motivation for further devel- opments. However, a lack of motivation to continue in the field of thermal spray research has never been an issue for me. This is due to the extraordinary nature of thermal spray progress—with its unique complexity and high degree of innova- tion—combined with strong industrial applications. New process variants are continuously being introduced and de- veloped by a vibrant scientific commu- nity. Although thermal spray equipment is typically rather expensive compared to other processing techniques, many institutions around the world have es- tablished thermal spray facilities and are performing important research at both the fundamental and applied levels. Research on thermal spray fun- damentals generates the knowhow for industrial applications. Examples of some long-lasting developments include suspension plasma spraying, plasma spray physical vapor deposition, cold gas spraying, high velocity air fuel spray- ing, and aerosol deposition. Several of these methods are exhibiting increased relevance for kinetic processes. These unique processes enable deposition of coatings with outstanding properties. In several cases, these processes are al- ready being introduced to industry, e.g., for application of thermal barrier coat- ings, repair processes, or different func- tional layers. With regard to thermal spray for power generation, it certainly remains an important topic although the conver- sion of energy systems will result in the need for different coating systems. Ther- mal and environmental barrier coatings, as well as oxidation protection coatings, are also important areas of research, es- pecially when considering their use in aero engines. In addition, high tempera- ture coatings are needed in concentrat- ed solar power applications and other heat storage systems. Certainly, there is also plenty of room for thermal spray applications in the new energy technologies such as thermoelectric power, hy- drogen generation, and fuel cells. Thermal spray will remain a unique technology that offers exceptional solutions devel- oped by a highly motivated community. Robert Vassen Deputy Director Head of Materials for Power Plant Technology Department Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany EDITORIAL Vassen