Effect of Thermal Aging on Microstructure and Functional Properties of Zirconia-Base Thermal Barrier Coatings

Thermal barrier coating (TBCs) systems made of plasma sprayed zirconia are commonly used in gas turbine engines to lower metal components surface temperature and allow higher combustion temperature that results in higher fuel efficiency and environmentally cleaner emissions. Low thermal conductivity and long service life are the most important properties of these coatings. The objective of this work was to study the influence of a long-term heat treatment (i.e., 1200 °C/2000 h) on different characteristics of atmospheric plasma sprayed TBCs. Two zirconia feedstock materials were evaluated, namely, yttria partially stabilized zirconia and dysprosia partially stabilized zirconia. Several spray conditions were designed and employed to achieve different coating morphologies. Microstructure analyses revealed that the coating microstructure was significantly dependent on both operating conditions and heat treatment conditions. Significant changes in coatings porosity occurred during heat treatment. The lowest thermal conductivity was reached with the dysprosia partially stabilized zirconia material. Heat treatment affected TBCs adhesion strength as well.