Experience with platinum aluminide coatings in land-based gas turbines

Abstract
Hot-corrosion crucible tests with salt mixtures which simulated actual blade deposits were carried out to evaluate the potential of platinum-modified aluminide coatings for application in advanced industrial gas turbines. In comparison with simple aluminide coatings, a significantly improved resistance against hot corrosion at intermediate temperatures was found. At the highest turbine-operating temperature, coating life exceeds that of conventional plasma-sprayed NiCrSi coatings. Actual engine test results are presented which confirm the beneficial role of platinum. However, the susceptibility of platinum aluminide coatings to crack formation and propagation may make them unsuitable for application to rotating blades.