Reactive Air Aluminizing

During SOFC operation, the high operating temperature causes chromium evaporation from steel interconnects and balance-of-plant components, which can result in cathode poisoning, which will degrade the SOFC stack performance over time. In addition, chemical reactions between glass seals and steel interconnects can form high thermal expansion interfacial phases, which substantially reduce the mechanical integrity of the sealing region of the SOFC stack. The new process represents a significant advance over the current state-of-the-art aluminization processes, by allowing for reduction of both materials and processing costs. Developed by researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the key benefit to the Reactive Air Aluminizing process is the fact that the process is performed in air. This eliminates the need for more costly and involved processes for heating requiring controlled atmosphere environments.

• Provides a continuous protective layer
• Remains stable over time at high temperatures (up to 800 degrees Celsius) and prevents chromium evaporation
• Aluminum reservoir in steel allows for self-healing of damaged regions
• Delivers simplicity - the process does not require a special environment for heating
• Reduces material and processing costs

Potential industry applications include: Aerospace & Defense, Automotive & Transportation, Energy & Utilities, and Manufacturing & Warehousing.