Methods and articles relating to ionic liquid bath plating of aluminum-containing layers utilizing shaped consumable aluminum anodes

Abstract

Ionic liquid bath plating methods for depositing aluminum-containing layers utilizing shaped consumable aluminum anodes are provided, as are turbomachine components having three dimensionally-tailored, aluminum-containing coatings produced from such aluminum-containing layers. In one embodiment, the ionic liquid bath plating method includes the step or process of obtaining a consumable aluminum anode including a workpiece-facing anode surface substantially conforming with the geometry of the non-planar workpiece surface. The workpiece-facing anode surface and the non-planar workpiece surface are positioned in an adjacent, non-contacting relationship, while the workpiece and the consumable aluminum anode are submerged in an ionic liquid aluminum plating bath. An electrical potential is then applied across the consumable aluminum anode and the workpiece to deposit an aluminum-containing layer onto the non-planar workpiece surface. In certain implementations, additional steps are then performed to convert or incorporate the aluminum-containing layer into a high temperature aluminum-containing coating, such as an aluminide coating.