Study of adhesion of PROTAL® copper coating of Al 2017 using the laser shock adhesion test (LASAT)

Surface preparation of substrates is a major stage in thermal spraying as it greatly influences coating adhesion. Standard grit-blasting creates roughness but also often leaves grit inclusions at the substrate surface, which are detrimental for coating quality. In contrast, the use of smooth substrates involves improvements in metallurgical adhesion.