Role of nano‐zones in enhancing the performance of YSZ coatings under thermal shock conditions

Abstract

AbstractThermal barrier coatings have been widely employed in high‐temperature turbine blades to enhance their resistance against corrosion, oxidation, and foreign object damage. Yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings, both conventional and nano‐structured, exhibit distinct characteristics. Notably, nano‐structured coatings demonstrate remarkable reductions in oxygen permeability and thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer thickness owing to the presence of nano‐zones (NZs). This paper focuses on elucidating the formation mechanisms, dispersion patterns, and behavior of NZs under varying conditions. Furthermore, it investigates the shock resistance performance of YSZ coatings subjected to furnace heating and water quenching. The findings reveal that the incorporation of NZs effectively restricts oxygen penetration and TGO growth and significantly enhances the overall performance of the coatings.