Method for applying a thermal barrier coating

摘要

A method and apparatus for forming thermally grown alpha alumina oxide scale on a substrate (14) is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a heating chamber (16) having a heat source (32) and an oxidizing gas source (36) selectively operable to provide a stream of oxidizing gas; b) providing at least one substrate (14) disposed in the heating chamber (16), which substrate (14) has a composition sufficient to permit formation of an alpha alumina scale on one or more surfaces; c) maintaining a vacuum in the heating chamber (16) at a level that inhibits formation of one or more low temperature oxides on the one or more surfaces of the substrate; d) heating at least one of the one or more surfaces (12) of the substrate (14) to a predetermined temperature at or above 1800 degrees Fahrenheit; and e) directing the stream of oxidizing gas at a controlled rate toward one or more heated surfaces (12) of the substrate (14).