Thermal barrier coatings for superalloys

The current status of ceramic thermal barrier coatings for protection of turbine airfoil components is reviewed. Test results for an early duplex coating system ZrO2-12% Y2O3/Ni-16% Cr-6% Al-0.6% Y, improved system ZrO2-8% Y2O3/Ni-17% Cr-5% Al-0.35% Y, and air/fuel impurity tolerant systems based on ZrO2-8% Y2O3, 2CaO-SiO2, and a MgO-NiCrAlY cermet are discussed. Preliminary test results at 800 C for a graded ZrO2-8% Y2O3/Ni-20% Cr-11% Al-0.4% Y coating system show that the coating can survive at least 500 hr in the presence of 50 ppm V plus other fuel contaminants and additives.