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Repairing Chipped Silicide Coatings on Refractory Metal SubstratesThe space shuttle orbiter s reaction control system (RCS) is a series of small thrusters that use hypergolic fuels to orient the orbiter in space. The RCS thrusters are constructed from a special niobium-based alloy -- the C-103. This alloy retains excellent mechanical properties from cryogenic temperature all the way up to 2,500 F (1,370 C). C-103 is susceptible to rapid oxidation at elevated temperatures. The authors have developed two methods to repair damaged R512a coatings on C-103. For the first repair technique, metal foundries, semiconductor manufacturers, and many other industries have developed and routinely use coatings that can easily be painted on metal to protect it from corrosion, including oxidation, to temperatures in excess of 2,500 F (1,370 C). This first repair technique is considered somewhat temporary. The second repair technique is based on using the native coating material of the RCS nozzles. the chipped area is ground out and a "green" R512a coating is applied to the repair area. Both repair techniques can be applied for moderate protection until the permanent laser-repair technique is available to the repair area.
Document ID
20100025733
Acquisition Source
Kennedy Space Center
Document Type
Other - NASA Tech Brief
External Source(s)
http://www.embeddedtechmag.com/component/content/article/1526
Authors
Youngquist, Robert (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 2006
Publication Information
Publication: NASA Tech Briefs, May 2006
Subject Category
Composite Materials
Report/Patent Number
KSC-12690/29
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle20100025712Collected WorksNASA Tech Briefs, May 2006
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