Superalloy Surface Treatment for Improved Performance of Power Turbines

To produce power more efficiently and cleanly, the next generation of power turbines will have to operate at extreme temperatures and pressures. Currently, single-crystal, nickel-based superalloys are used in such extreme environments. MCrAlY coatings (where M = Co, Ni, or Co/Ni) are widely applied to first- and second-stage turbine blades and nozzle guide vanes, where they may be used as corrosion-resistant overlays or as bond coats for use with thermal barrier coatings.