Characterization of Plasma Sprayed and Electron Beam-Physical Vapor Deposited Thermal Barrier Coatings

Abstract

Laboratory testing was conducted on air plasma sprayed (APS) and electron beam-physical vapor deposited (EB-PVD) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) applied onto nickel alloy specimens. As-coated chemistry, microstructure, and bond strength of the TBC systems were evaluated. Cyclic oxidation tests that simulated industrial gas turbine environments were also conducted on the various thermal barrier coatings. This study evaluated the effects of ceramic and metallic coating compositions and application processes on coatings microstructure and performance. The relative cyclic performance of the TBC systems was determined from the laboratory tests.