Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Ceramic coatings constitute a large family of materials with quite diverse
compositions and properties. They include compositions based on alumina,
alumina-magnesia, chromia, hafnia, silica, silicon carbide, titania and
zirconia. Ceramic coatings are generally applied to metal or metallic alloy
components or to ceramic components
High performance ceramic coatings are a special class of ceramics in their
form and the preparation techniques required. However, their uses are diverse,
and they exploit the wide range of unique and desirable properties of various
bulk ceramics. Ceramic coatings are generally used for wear- (or erosion-),
corrosion- and high temperature-resistant applications. All ceramic coatings
deliver some level of performance in each of the three major areas listed
above.
The availability and commercialization of high-performance coatings have
already changed the internal specification patterns of certain industries,
such as cutting tool inserts. The useful life of coated inserts is many times
the life of uncoated inserts. This, in turn, has reduced the cost of cutting
tool inserts, and at the same time has increased productivity. Similarly,
ceramic-coated components for aircraft turbine engines resulted in building
large aircraft. Now, auto enthusiasts are coating certain auto engine
components to improve auto engine performance. Also, ceramic coatings have
made it possible for certain large machine components to be repaired in situ.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This report contains:
- An in-depth analysis of the technologies used for high-performance ceramic
coatings.
- An overview of materials for high-performance ceramic coatings and their
properties.
- New developments and recent patents in high-performance ceramic thermal
spray, PVD, CVD and other coating techniques.
- Current and potential applications for high-performance ceramic coatings.
- Current and future market projections for ceramic coatings in all the
major applications.
- Profiles of current industry players including suppliers of equipment,
consumables, coating service providers and users.
- A review of the economic/market opportunities for current industry
participants and new entrants.
- METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
This report is an updated version of a report originally published in 2004.
Information for the original and updated reports was collected through
extensive industry contacts with people active in the research, development,
production and use of high-performance ceramic coatings, from government and
academic sources and by reference to technical literature. Several industry
experts were also interviewed for this study. In addition, most of the coating
service providers and end users were contacted to evaluate current and future
demands for these coatings.
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