Coating failure in compressor rotor blades of an aeroengine

This paper deals with coating failure in compressor rotor blades of an aeroengine. The failure modes and the causes were studied and prevention measures were suggested. Investigation revealed that blistering was responsible for the coating breakdown. The coating was a standard polymeric one (epoxy phenolic resin) and was being used successfully for this particular application for many years. Analysis showed that mechanical damages caused to the coating of the blades during overhaul and/or re-assembly of the engine were responsible for the failure.