"Renewable" Zirconia Coating

Engineers at the Ohio State University are developing a technology to coat jet engine turbine blades with zirconium dioxide to combat high-temperature corrosion. As explained in this article, the zirconia chemically converts sand and other corrosive particles that build up on the blade into a new, protective outer coating. In effect, the surface of the engine blade constantly renews itself. Ultimately, the technology could enable manufacturers to use new kings of heat-resistant materials in engine blades so that engines will be able to run hotter and more efficiently.