Environmental Impact Assessment of Thermal Spray Coatings: A Short Review
摘要
A thermal spray (TS) coating is produced when a thin film, typically applied as a spray. It is coated to a substrate’s surface. The applications of these coatings are extensive, encompassing small-sized components, steam turbine engineering, the aerospace sector, and general industrial use. This results from their superior characteristics, which include high wear resistance, exceptional quality, cost-effective production, and the ability to perform repair work, frequently on-site. But the quality of these coatings is influenced by environmental degradation. The processes involved in the manufacturing of TS coatings require significant energy input. Energy consumption is contingent upon the specific TS method employed. The rise in energy consumption results in an elevated carbon footprint, particularly when the energy is sourced from non-renewable origins. The energy required for the processes of melting and spraying materials results in a rise in emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), which in response triggers climate change. An environmental impact evaluation for TS coatings should encompass the entire life cycle of the coating, including production and disposal phases. The durability of the coating minimizes the frequency of repairs or replacements, thereby contributing to resource conservation and waste reduction. At the end of the life cycle of the coating, appropriate disposal or recycling should be implemented to avoid damage to the environment. Biodegradable or recyclable coatings can potentially significantly reduce the effects associated with the end of life of TS applications. In addition to that, the improvement in durability can extend the shelf-life of coatings, so this would reduce the chances of recoating and as a result, the consequential environmental effects. Therefore in this chapter Environmental Impact Assessment of TS coating adopting life cycle assessment technique is summarized to evaluate their eco-friendliness.