Atmospheric deposition-derived titanium carbide coatings
Titanium carbide (TiC) coatings are an emerging technology that uses atmospheric deposited and other forms of titanium to produce a highly adhering protective coating on metal surfaces. This type of thin-film coating has become popular in a wide range of applications, including automotive, industrial, aerospace and defense sectors.
TiC coatings are produced through a combination of physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. PVD involves a metal undergoing a vaporization and oxidation process, which generates a titanium-rich vapor, which is then condensed on a prepared surface to form a thin titanium deposit or coating. The deposition of titanium from this method is known as PVD-derived TiC (PDT). CVD involves chemical reactions between a metal vapor, such as titanium, and the surface of a substrate to form the TiC coatings. The deposition of titanium from this method is known as CVD-derived TiC (CDT).
Atmospheric deposition-derived TiC (ADT) is a third form of TiC coating that uses titanium as a precursor to create a thin-film coating. This type of deposition is based on the atmospheric deposition of titanium oxides that are generated by combustion processes. It is well known that combustion by-products, such as soot and smoke, can contain titanium compounds in the form of titanium dioxide (TiO2). Consequently, these titanium compounds are naturally found in the atmosphere, and when present in the atmosphere can be deposited on substrates such as metals while they are in service.
The potential of ADT TiC coatings to provide superior surface properties is high. This is because of their ability to provide excellent corrosion resistance and wear resistance to coated surfaces. Furthermore, as a TiC coating, it provides superior chemical and oxidation resistance. On top of this, the cost of TiC coatings, when produced by atmospheric deposition, can be significantly lower than the cost associated with PDT or CDT techniques.
In order to produce ADT TiC coatings, the atmospheric deposition of titanium compounds must be controlled to create a uniform and continuous coating on the substrate. This can be done by manipulating the diffusion of titanium vapor through pore spaces and ensuring that gas flow remains parallel to the coating surface. This is then followed by a curing process in a furnace or kiln that is used to activate and bond the titanium particles to form the TiC coating.
The utilization of ADT TiC coatings has been revolutionizing the field of surface coatings. As TiC coatings provide superior surface properties, their application in a variety of industries has been growing. Automotive, aerospace and defense, and industrial sectors are already making extensive use of ADT TiC coatings for their products.
Atmospheric deposition-derived TiC has been proven to be a cost-effective method of protecting metal surfaces from corrosion, oxidation and wear. TiC coatings formed by atmospheric deposition have the potential to increase the life expectancy of products and reduce associated maintenance costs. This is why ADT TiC coatings are gaining in popularity and are expected to continue to be one of the most widely used forms of protective surface coatings in the future.
