WP4 - Development of UHTC and gradient coatings on its basis for metallic and non-metallic materials DELIVERABLE 4.4 PCM 2st batch on the basis of ZrB2-SiC for thermal spraying

The LIGHT-TPS project will develop light complex TPS for future reusable space crafts and hypersonic aircrafts, which will combine elements made of various heat-resistant materials depending on the level and distribution of thermal and aerodynamic load on the surface of the vehicle. The goals of the fourth work package are: oProduction of UHTCs based on ZrB2 containing various amounts of SiC and sintered with different agents, possessing microstructural features miming those typically obtained by coating (porosity, mean grain size, secondary phase distribution, etc.) oAdvanced characterization of selected UHTC compositions, including the characterization of thermo-mechanical properties, oxidation resistance in the temperature range 1000- 1600°C and the in deep characterization of the degradation mechanisms in highly corrosive streams. oDevelopment of gradient coatings based on the selected UHTC compositions over metallic and non-metallic substrates. oAdvanced performance characterization of the developed gradient coatings under relevant service conditions. The present Deliverable 4.4 foresees the dispatch of ceramic powder batches from CNR (Italy) to TECNALIA (Spain) to optimize the set-up parameters for coating metallic/non-metallic substrates with UHTC powders by Shrouded Plasma Spray (SPS).