TiBor Skin is a two-part technology that creates toughened, corrosion- and wear-resistant composite structures. The technology consists of coatings or surface materials for application on metals, plus methods of applying these materials. It also provides methods of integrating the applied coatings with their substrates to form composite structures, the surfaces of which wear and corrode at rates much lower than those currently experienced in the industry.

The fabrication method includes depositing a slurry or paste of titanium diboride and a flux, along with other trace components, on a substrate and heating the deposited material and the substrate to form a reinforced material integrated with the substrate. The slurry, suspension, blend, or mixture of selective materials can be deposited onto the surface using a number of methods such as painting, spraying, dipping, thermal spray, powder coating, etc.

Laser, plasma, infrared, electron beam, induction, welding, and microwave techniques can be used to reactively form the surface. Surface coatings formed by the approach change the surface characteristics of a component or structure to provide properties of high hardness, high temperature strength, wear and corrosion resistance, and strong adherence to the substrate without changing the bulk material properties.

Layers or functional grading can be employed to increase bonding strength and adherence, or mitigate differences in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The surface can be applied on finished components by portable field techniques, or fabricated on sheet materials prior to final manufacturing steps. The coatings do not distort the substrate geometry, reduce surface smoothness, or allow for delamination.

For more information, contact the Office of Technology Commercialization and Partnerships at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 865-241-5981.