Thermal Spray Coatings for Polymer Matrix Composites in Gas Turbine Engines: A Literary Preview

Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) offer lightweight, high specific strength properties and usually low cost alternatives to the conventional metals or alloys used in gas turbines. However, the limited surface characteristics of these composites prevent their integration where wear resistance, thermal management and electrical conductivity are necessary. To overcome this problem, coatings can be deposited onto these materials to provide the required protection as well as extending their functionality. This review article provides an insight on the current status of polymer matrix composites in the aeronautical realm while focusing on the advances in the coating technology being made to improve their effectiveness for propulsion applications