Research on the technology of flame spraying aluminum coating for composite material

Aluminum coating was prepared on composite material surface by using oxygen-acetylene flame spraying technology. The H01-103H sealants were used to seal the thermal sprayed aluminum coatings. The characteristics of the aluminum coatings with and without H01-103H sealant, including surface morphologies, phase composition, and bonding strength, were investigated by means of SEM, EDS, and mechanical testing machine. Thermal shock experiment and low temperature cooling test were also used to examine the thermal shock resistance and frost resistance of the Al coatings. Electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding properties were then tested according to four-probe measurement principle and GJB 5239-2004, respectively. The results showed that the bond strength was 7.36 MPa and the surface porosity was about 5.21% for Al coating without H01-103H sealant, in addition, the H01-103H sealants could fill into the pores, reducing the porosity and increasing the bond strength of the coating. Furthermore, the main component of the coating was Al, the oxygen content was only 1.43%. Flame sprayed aluminum coating, with surface electrical resistance 0.89 mΩ and 5–18 GHz electromagnetic shielding effectiveness above 35 dB, was an ideal candidate for electromagnetic shielding utilization. The Al coating remained intact, compact, no cracks, peeling, layering under 50–200°C and −30°C, which showed good thermal shock resistance and frost resistance.