Periodic Report Summary - CORRAL (Corrosion protection with perfect atomic layers)
15 nm of Al2O3 deposited on a ground surface of a flat manufactured from Al2024 illustrating best the problems and achievements: The poor quality of the grinding has produced a large burr (a) that was folded onto the surface creating a deep narrow gap (b) (~ 40 nm). The burr has been work hardened (c) by the plastic deformation. An abrasive grinding particle (d) has also been incorporated by the bur. The 15 nm amorphous Al2O3 coating (e) deposited by PEALD covers completely all features even the walls of the narrow gaps providing perfect sealing.
The project has made progress on all three challenges:
- Preparing, observing and controlling engineering surfaces @ nanoscale.
- Developing technologies for coatings that are perfect @ nanoscale and can handle the residual defects.
- Studying corrosion initiation and development @ nanoscale.
So far only three 'model' applications involving 100Cr6, Al2024 and 34CrMo4 have been followed. One of them has shown such promising results, that its industrial implementation is scheduled before the conclusion of the project. For the second half term participation in application demonstration will be opened to a larger audience in the form of user pools.