Advanced coatings to protect ceramic matrix composites in next-generation jet engines
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Högskolan Väst - Högskolan Väst Inst f ingenjörsvetenskap |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 998 000 |
| Project duration | December 2021 - August 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme SIP LIGHTer |
| Call | Strategic innovation program LIGHTer 2021 |
Important results from the project
Yes - the project successfully explored and developed new coating technologies that resulted in Environmental Barrier Coatings with high crystallinity, controlled porosity, and industrially viable throughput. This improvement will contribute to extended lifetime and durability of critical engine components in next-generation jet engines. The project also strengthened international collaboration between industrial and academic partners, fostering continued innovation and knowledge exchange.
Expected long term effects
The project results lay the basis for further optimization of crack-free and long-life coatings, for future deployment of CMC components in next generation aerospace engines. This will allow higher turbine operating temperatures, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, and thus aligning with sustainable aviation goals. Additionally, the development and optimization of scalable plasma spray coating techniques provide viable industrial processes to manufacture advanced EBC at large scale
Approach and implementation
The project was carried out through a systematic and structured approach focusing on the development and testing of EBCs. It involved a well-designed series of iterative plasma spray trials and tests to comprehensively characterize and optimize the coatings. These tests included screening of spray parameters to identify suitable deposition conditions, microstructure analysis to understand coating morphology. Selected samples underwent advanced investigation of critical functional performances.