Y–Er–ZrO2 thermal barrier coatings by EB-PVD: Thermal conductivity, thermal shock life and failure mechanism

Abstract Rare earth stabilized ZrO2 thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) have attracted much attention due to their low thermal conductivity and high thermal stability under high temperature. The investigation of thermal shock life and failure mechanism of rare earth stabilized ZrO2 TBCs still remain a challenge. This work focuses on structure, thermal conductivity, thermal shock life and failure mechanism of the rare earth stabilized ZrO2 advanced TBCs. The advanced ceramic material exhibits low thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the advanced TBCs also exhibit good thermal shock life at 1100 °C. After thermal shock test, the broken regions occur on the crack area within ceramic coating, TGO and interface. The TBCs interface instabilities play a key role on the failure mechanism of rare earth stabilized ZrO2 TBCs.