Synthesis of self-healing NiAl-Al2O3 composite coatings by electrochemical way

Nickel aluminide diffusion coatings act like an aluminium reservoir to form protective alumina scales at high temperatures. However, interdiffusion phenomena play a critical role in the metallurgical integrity of these coatings. This work explores a new type of self-healing coating for high temperature oxidation applications. Micro-reservoirs consisting of an aluminium-rich intermetallic core (Al3Ni2) and an aluminium oxide shell are embedded in a nickel aluminide matrix (NiAl). This new type of coating has been synthesized by an electrochemical chemical route to trap the micro-reservoirs in an electrodeposited nickel matrix followed by aluminization via a slurry route. Under high temperature oxidation conditions, the micro-reservoirs allow to form a diffusion barrier and to release Al into the coating matrix. These two simultaneous phenomena make it possible to maintain a sufficient amount of aluminium and ensure the unique formation of alpha-alumina at the surface of the coatings, hence to possibly increase the lifespan of the aluminium diffusion coatings.