Spray Processing of Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) Alloy GRX-810 (ODS)

Triton Systems, Inc. (Triton) is developing a high-rate, solid-state spray processing approach for oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) materials—specifically GRX-810—to enable superior mechanical, thermal, and oxidation performance in extreme service environments, such as rocket engines. Currently, GRX-810’s maturation is limited to laser powder bed fusion, which faces inherent scalability constraints in part size and build rate. By contrast, Triton’s proposed spray-based technique will accommodate larger part sizes, faster production rates, and both coating and bulk part applications. In Phase I, Triton will focus on powder engineering and early-stage process validation for producing fully dense GRX-810 coatings and bulk forms. This effort will include optimizing commercially available and Triton-customized powder formulations, conducting coupon-level spray trials, and performing microstructural and mechanical evaluations. Successful completion of Phase I is expected to advance the technology to TRL 3/4. During Phase II, Triton will build upon these results to mature the process toward TRL 5/6 by refining the spray methodology, enhancing throughput, and expanding scale-up capabilities. The requested funding will support Triton’s development of scalable manufacturing routes for high-temperature, high-performance ODS components. Key tasks include powder formulation research, process optimization, and validation testing in relevant operating conditions, all aimed at de-risking the technology for commercial and government stakeholders. Immediate applications include rocket engine components, turbine parts, and other extreme environment systems. Beyond aerospace and defense, high-temperature industrial sectors—such as power generation and chemical processing—can also benefit from Triton’s spray-based manufacturing of advanced ODS alloys for superior durability and performance.

Triton Systems, Inc. (Triton) anticipates that its spray-based manufacturing approach for GRX-810 will directly support multiple NASA mission directives across aeronautics and space exploration. Under the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD), the Transformational Tools and Technologies Project (within the Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program) can leverage Triton’s advanced processing and powder engineering to develop next-generation aerospace materials with improved durability and thermal stability. Similarly, the Hypersonic Technology Project under ARMD’s Advanced Air Vehicles Program would benefit from scalable, high-rate fabrication of GRX-810 for hypersonic components and systems operating in extreme temperature environments. In the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), Triton’s solution aligns with the Game Changing Development Program’s efforts to advance cutting-edge propulsion and spacecraft technologies. By enabling robust, high-temperature performance in coatings and bulk components, Triton’s manufacturing platform can enhance engine efficiency and reliability for nuclear thermal propulsion initiatives and support advancements in rotating detonation rocket engines. These innovations promise to accelerate NASA’s ability to conduct rapid, cost-effective space travel and exploration. Triton Systems, Inc. (Triton) anticipates widespread commercial adoption of its high-rate, solid-state spray manufacturing process and powder engineering innovations in sectors that demand resilient, high-temperature materials. The Department of Defense (DoD) is making significant investments in hypersonic technologies, with leading aerospace and defense firms—such as Boeing, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon—requiring advanced alloys and scalable manufacturing techniques to support next-generation flight systems. Conventional gas turbine manufacturers (e.g., Pratt & Whitney, GE, and Chromalloy), as well as specialized turbomachinery companies (e.g., Florida Turbine Technologies), could benefit from the superior performance of Triton’s coatings and bulk part fabrication for turbine blades, combustion chambers, and other critical components. Additionally, Triton’s novel powder formulations have the flexibility to be utilized not only in solid-state spray processes but also in melt-based additive manufacturing platforms. This opens opportunities for material suppliers—such as Elementum 3D, Linde, Carpenter Technologies, and Powder Alloy Corporation—to enhance their product portfolios and deliver improved materials to end users across aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.