Thermal Spray Coatings’ Performance in Phase Change Materials

As the transition to clean energy progresses, geothermal energy is poised to play a crucial role due to its reliability. However, corrosion remains a challenge, affecting the economic viability of thermal energy storage. This study investigates the use of thermal spray aluminum (TSA) on carbon steel substrates to mitigate corrosion in phase change materials (PCMs) used in geothermal plants. The research involved creating artificial defects in the coatings and exposing them to molten nitrate-nitrite PCM at 165°C (329 °F) for 168 h. Post-test analyses revealed that TSA coatings can protect carbon steel structures even when damaged, offering a potential corrosion mitigation strategy.