Abstract

Refractory coatings are protective surface layers of high melting materials used primarily for high temperature applications or to prevent abrasion or corrosion. These coatings may be composed of metals, alloys, or intermetallic compounds; metallic oxides, carbides, borides, nitrides, etc; or ceramic or metal–ceramic composites. Many specific coatings are described. Uses of refractory coatings range from application to the surfaces of parts in the aerospace and automotive industries, where high temperature protection is of importance, to lens coatings where the protective layer must be optically pure, yet abrasion resistant. Some prosthetic devices also require these coatings.

Coating technology has advanced rapidly since the early 1980s resulting in improved coating quality, reproducibility, and application rates and techniques. The various coating technologies ranging from thermal spray to chemical vapor deposition are discussed. Methods for evaluating coatings are presented.