Objectives

To operate efficiently, gas turbines should be able to run at as high a temperature as possible. This requires a combination of high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance. It is difficult to obtain these properties from a single material so coatings are used extensively. These coatings comprise insulating layers known as thermal barrier coatings to reduce metal temperatures, and corrosion resistant layers that counteract attack by the hot gaseous environment.

This project developed and assessed test methods for monitoring and evaluating coating behaviour.