Alternative Materials for Performant TBCs: Short Review

Abstract

Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) is a thermal insulation, which enables the coated substrate material to work above its melting temperature. The TBCs have been used to enhance the performance of the gas turbine for aeronautic and energy applications. Yttria stabilized zirconia YSZ (ZrO2 +7-8 wt.% Y2 O3 ) is a topcoat ceramic which is applied for more than 40 years to gas turbine components. YSZ has a high toughness and a good temperature capability up to about 1200 °C, higher operating temperatures is required for enhanced efficiency of gas turbine. Alternative materials for TBC application were developed during the last years allowing a higher temperature capability and lower thermal conductivity combined to higher toughness and thermochemical stability a of the TBCs.