High temperature surface measurements using lifetime imaging of thermographic phosphors: Bonding tests

Temperature-sensitive paint (TSP) comprised of thermally sensitive phosphor can provide a viable means for noncontact thermometry in wind tunnel and other aeropropulsion applications. Described here are recent results aimed at developing a phosphor and binder system that will cover a wide temperature range, ambient to 1000 C. The phosphor/binder mixture is to be sprayed directly on the surface with an airbrush. Whereas many surfaces are candidates for various uses, the present effort concerned silicon carbide, silicon nitride and silica substrates. Initial tests show that a phosphor mixture with two water-soluble materials, designated LK and HPC and manufactured by ZYP Inc., adhered well to these substrates. This same material was earlier shown to function well on a high strength nickel alloy.