Application of MAO-processed ceramic layer in micro thrusters

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to propose and assess the possibility of using ceramic coating layer as a heat-resistant material in micro solid propellant thruster. Design/methodology/approach - A ceramic layer is coated on the inner surface of the combustor of a micro thruster by applying micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technology. The thermal property of the coating is analyzed with laser pulse method. To evaluate the heat-resistant performance of the coating, the temperature history of the micro thruster inner surface is experimentally tested and recorded in a water thermostat bath. A numerical simulation of the thruster working condition is also carried out. Findings - Both experimental and simulation results reveal that the heat-resistant ability of the coating processed by MAO is proven to be effective. Practical implications - This paper attempts to help designers choose material processing technology to improve micro solid propellant thruster heatresistant ability. Originality/value - The paper shows that with a ceramic coating layer processed with MAO, aluminium can sustain higher temperature and it can be used as the structural material for short-time-work micro thruster.