Automatic evaluation of the performance of corrosion resistant LCVD silica coatings

Abstract
A new method for the automatic evaluation of the corrosion resistance of coatings is described which is based on automatic feature detection combined with chemical classification (AFDCC) using an X-ray microanalysis system and scanning electron microscope. The results of this evaluation procedure are compared with conventional gravimetric analysis, and the AFDCC method is shown to have a number of advantages : i) greater sensitivity; ii) partially coated samples can be studied ; iii) coating defect growth rate can be monitored and iv) corrosion product characterisation is an integral part of the evaluation procedure. The combination of i) and ii) rise to a rapid method for optimising coating performance and can eliminate the need for long-term testing during the optimisation phase of coating development.