The Influence of Plasma Composition in the Thermal Cyclic Performance of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (8YSZ) Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs)

In the combustion chambers of gas turbine engines, ZrO2-8wt.%Y2O3 (YSZ) TBCs are commonly applied by air plasma spray (APS) using Ar-/H2-based plasmas via legacy torches. Alternatively, N2/H2 could be used with potential increasing overall deposition efficiency (DE) and hence reduce consumption high-value feedstock powder. Also, DE, spraying time would reduced, thereby providing another contribution to bring down production costs. this work, were prepared Ar- N2-based different YSZ powders Metco 9MB torch. The use resulted in higher particle temperature lower velocity values than those provided Ar-based plasma. measured DEs between 41-43 53-60% for plasmas, respectively. This represents a ~ 40% increase DE. coatings produced two exhibited equivalent porosity levels 11-13%. On average, lowest thermal conductivity given LD-B TBC. furnace cycle test, performance was superior that Ar plasma, also exceeding an industrial APS TBC benchmark.