Innovative station for gas-dynamic cold spraying of coatings from metallic and ceramic powders at the Institute of Metal Forming

The aim of the project is the construction of an innovative and unique station for the gasodynamic cold spraying of coatings made of metallic and ceramic powders for the needs of the constantly developing industry and medicine. In addition, research and development work will be carried out to develop an innovative technology for the application of hydroxyapatite coatings with copper nanoparticles for the needs of medicine and the regeneration of numerous tools used in industry. Implementation of the project will result in an increase in the level of innovation of the conducted scientific research and will contribute to the expansion of the service offer in the field of new technologies. It is also planned to file a patent application.

To date, within the framework of the project, a unique stand for gas-dynamic cold spraying of coatings has been designed and fabricated. The prototype stand consists of a vacuum chamber with a vacuum pump and instrumentation, a device for spraying ceramic and metallic powders, an automated x-y-z table, a gas feeding system, a powder mixing chamber, a glove box, an induction heating device, and a filter cleaning and powder recovery device based on an ultrasonic system. As part of the research work, trials were conducted to develop a methodology for the application of hydroxyapatite coatings with copper nanoparticles and the sintering process of the applied coatings. Structural phase analysis using an X-ray diffractometer and microstructure studies using transmission electron microscopy were performed for the obtained coatings. The thickness of the applied coatings was determined using light microscopy. In addition, bactericidal properties were tested for the obtained hydroxyapatite coatings with copper nanoparticles for two selected bacterial strains: Staphylococcus Epidermidis ATCC®35984™ and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ATCC®700829™.