Research

The focus of my research is in the area of thermally sprayed coatings. Thermal spray processing consists of an array of deposition techniques which lead to the build-up of coatings via splat formation and adhesion first to a substrate and then cohesion between splats. Many of the techniques, including atmospheric plasma spray, high velocity oxy-fuel spray, and flame spray, involve the simultaneous melting and acceleration of powder feedstock in a high temperature flame. As the molten particles hit the substrate, they flatten and rapidly solidify to form thin pancake or starburst-shaped splats. The continuous bombardment of molten particles on the substrate leads to the build-up of coatings on the order of 0.02-2 mm thick coatings. Other specialized processes such as cold spray, which does not melt the particles instead relying on the high velocity and ductility of particles, and vacuum plasma spray, which is conducted at low pressures to minimize oxidation, have also been developed to spray unique coatings.

My research focuses on thermal spray coatings in three primary areas:
- Thermal and environmental protection in gas turbine engines operated using alternative fuels
- Bioactive coatings for implants
- Wear and corrosion resistant coatings for applications where tribocorrion prevention is required