COATINGS FOR GAS TURBINES

Abstract
The use of surface coatings, which are applied to the hot-end components of the modern gas turbine to protect against oxidation and/or corrosion, is commonplace and the correct choice of coating process is a balance between cost effectiveness, operational environment and lifetime. This paper reviews a broad range of commercially available processes, outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each and discusses the most recent coating systems under development. Coating systems currently in use for a range of applications (helicopter, fighter, civil and marine) are reviewed and the factors affecting the choice of coating process/composition for any particular operating environment are discussed.