Hot Corrosion Behavior of Plasma Sprayed YSZ/Al₂O₃/CeO₂ Thermal Barrier Coatings

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are the state-of-the-art techniques for protection against degradation of surface (nickel-based superalloy) hot regions of engines. This work has investigated the hot corrosion behavior of various compositions of YSZ/Al₂O₃/CeO₂ coatings, applied on substrate at higher temperatures. Plasma Spray technique has been used to prepare coatings, which is deposited on the substrate. Various properties such as, microstructure, the morphology, and compositions of the coatings have been carried on an XRD-based analysis. The EDAX analysis of the coated surfaces has indicated that the growth of yttrium, vanadium and oxygen crystals has occurred over the corroded YSZ coating. Adding CeO₂ to TBCs would lead to enhanced thermal stability, improved corrosion resistance, reduced thermal conductivity; further enhancement of mechanical properties, and thus, it becomes one of the best candidates as a TBC component. These advantages are indispensable to the development of the new generation of advanced materials. Furthermore, CeO₂ is relatively cheap and available.