Corrosion

Heavily corroded turbine blade
Heavily corroded turbine blade

Corrosion is an electrochemical process, which takes place between a metal and the surrounding environment. Producing oxides and other undesirable compounds, corrosion is frequently found in combination with mechanical wear. The corrosion process needs three components: an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. The anode is the metal subject to the effects of corrosion, the electrolyte acts as the corrosive medium and the cathode, which can be on the same surface or a different surface than the anode, completes the electrical cell.

Studies indicate the total cost of corrosion in the United States alone is above $270 Billion Dollars. Thermal spray coatings have a wide range of options to help address corrosion issues. These options include the application of corrosion resistance thermally sprayed materials. In many instances our coatings can address the corrosive problem while providing secondary benefits such as release or improved surface hardness promoting erosion resistance.


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