SBIR Phase I: Cold Spray: Low-Velocity Particle Impact Coating and Forming

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*** 9760470 Dean This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore spraying metal and composite particles at room temperature and at velocities of 200-300 meters per second to coat substrates. Current thermal-spray coatings exhibit important limitations; especially, porosity, inadequate adhesion, non-uniform properties, and low deposition efficiency. The high temperature of thermal spray precludes the inclusion of desirable fibers, e.g., graphite. The current innovation (Cold-Spray) will utilize proprietary activation solutions to enable metallurgical bonding of particles to occur on impact. Because of its low operating temperature, Cold-Spray will allow metal matrices to be strengthened with thermally sensitive reinforcements, e.g., graphite fibers in titanium. No thermal damage to the deposit or substrate results. Phase I will focus on the feasibility of cold bonding metal and composite powders by spray impact into high-density, high-strength, and strongly adhering coatings on metal substrates. A prototype Cold-Spray system will be built and tested. Phase II will demonstrate forming free-standing, function-gradient composite components using Cold-Spray. Potential commercial applications are expected in the fabrication of composite structures and components for aerospace, defense, and industry. Cold-Spray forming of parts from CAD files will be a flexible and lower cost process than current methods for their production. ***