Hollow oxide can take the heat

Researchers in Germany have developed a twin-layer insulating coating made up of hollow aluminium oxide spheres which could protect industrial parts, such as steam turbine components, from both heat and oxidation damage.

A team at the Fraunhofer Institute of Chemical Technology in Pfinztal created the coating by mixing aluminium nanoparticles with a liquid bonding agent. The viscous mixture is painted onto the metal component to be protected and heated to high temperatures, allowing the aluminium particles to sinter between each other and the metal. 

This article provides a link to coverage by Chemistry World