Ten samples were cycled 100x by heating in an oven to 250C (482F) and then quenching in room temperature water. After 100 cycles the samples were analyzed and compared to the baseline sample. Both samples are at the same magnification.

It could be seen from the cross-sections that no cracks or delaminations were formed in the thermal cycled materials. The tantalum surface as well as the 316 stainless steel substrate are in excellent condition and show no signs of defects or distortion that may typically be seen on traditional coatings that are thermal cycling. This result was consistent on all ten samples.