The Ames Laboratory Plasma Spray (ALPS) Facility uses Ames Laboratory's skill and expertise with materials to make new metal and ceramic coating to improved wear or corrosion resistance, thermal and electrical insulation, and oxidation protection. An initial ALPS Facility activity was to develop coatings for crucible liners, which are able to contain molten materials that are very reactive and have high melting temperatures. HVOF and Plasma spray guns and an atmospheric chamber are available.

The MPC's high-pressure gas atomization (HPGA) capabilities make possible higher-quality metal powder materials and alloys than can be produced using current commercial atomization systems. The fine, clean, spherical shapes of the powders created with the HPGA technique allow greater compaction, maximizing the number of powder particles that can be packed into a limited space and enhancing the consolidation processes and the final properties of the product.

The following video is a slow motion capture of an atomization event.

Ames Laboratory is a leader in the preparation of high-quality, single crystalsof rare earth and refractory metals and their alloys. For 30 years various scientists throughout the world have used these crystals to determine the physical properties of many pure metals and alloys.

Terbium (Tb) and Cerium (Ce) phosphors in your computer screen allow you to see GREEN.
Europium (Eu) is the source of the RED light and BLUE emitted by our display.

The MPC specializes in the preparation, purification, and fabrication of high-purity rare earth metals, refractory metals, alkaline earth metals, and alloys in single and polycrystalline forms. Utilizing a core staff consisting of three research scientists and three technicians, this section prepares unique materials with a variety of techniques.