Quasicrystalline Thin Films For Corrosion Inhibition Of Aircraft Components and Assemblies

During the proposed Phase II effort, quasicrystalline (QC) thin films will be applied by PVD and HVOF methods to landing gear (LG) components and assemblies to inhibit corrosion. Specifically, Technology Assessment & Transfer will achieve six objectives: 1. elucidate the basic physics and chemistry of the quasicrystalline corrosion inhibition mechanism; 2. increase film durability; 3. demonstrate the corrosion inhibiting properties of quasicrystalline films when applied to LGs; 4. sputter deposit QC films onto fastener and other small components; 5. develop HVOF of QCs as a commercial film deposition technology; 6. transfer both PVD and HVOF coating technologies to LG ALCs. LG alloys to be studied will include aircraft aluminum alloys 2024 and 7xxx, and high strength steels 4330, 4340, and 300M. Coatings will be evaluated for adhesion, crystal structure, morphology, corrosion resistance, and toughness. Evaluation methods will include Superficial Rockwell hardness, Rockwell hardness for toughness, SEM, XRD, EDS, and potentiodynamic scans (PDS) for corrosion. Initial coating evaluation will be performed on flat coupons of the appropriate LG alloy compositions.