In the future, turbine blades in a power station ought be able to withstand gas temperatures in excess of 1,400°C in order to increase the energy yield.
This is only possible using a combination of protective layers which have recently been developed by Siemens experts. In a special process, a fine-grained ceramic thermal-insulating layer is applied via plasma jet. This happens in a normal atmosphere.
A metallic adhesive layer is also required and this must be applied in a vacuum so that it cannot oxidise. Only a few specialists worldwide are qualified to carry out the special plasma spray process. One such specialist is the Berlin company Turbine Airfoil Coating and Repair GmbH (TACR), a joint venture between Siemens and Chromalloy.
