Thermo-mechanical characterization of laser textured LaMgAl11O19/YSZ functionally graded thermal barrier coating

Abstract

The ablation resistance and adhesion strength of laser textured and as-sprayed functionally graded LaMgAl11O19/YSZ based thermal barrier coating (FG-TBC) was studied and compared with a duplex coating of LaMgAl11O19 and YSZ (DC-TBC). The thermal barrier coatings were sprayed over Hastelloy C263 using atmospheric plasma spray process (APS). The laser texturing was performed using a picosecond pulsed laser. The width-to-depth ratio and groove spacing were varied to analyse and correlate the significance of groove parameters in providing strain tolerance under extreme thermal loading conditions. The ablation behaviour of the coatings was investigated using a scramjet test rig. The shear force induced through the ablation load spalled the as-sprayed DC-TBC. The thermal stress mismatch instigated through the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between discrete YSZ and LaMgAl11O19 layers led to the failure of the as-sprayed DC-TBC. The as-sprayed FG-TBC exhibited an improved ablation resistance. The varying thermo-mechanical properties along the ceramic layer thickness in as-sprayed FG-TBC minimise the concentration of thermal stress across the coating and imparts better thermal stability. The improved mechanical interlocking of molten splats during re-solidification of five discrete layers of ceramic composites inhibits the concentration of stress around the weak links. Compared to the textured DC-TBCs, the textured FG-TBCs exhibited minimal level of distortion and better resistance to ablation. The textured surfaces restrict the propagation of crack across the top surface and also provide improved strain tolerance. The graded structure minimises the stress built up and improves the coating resistance compared to textured DC-TBCs. The adhesion strength of all test surfaces was analysed following the standard test procedure. The textured surfaces having higher surface roughness (in terms of surface area) exhibited improved adhesion strength. The groove parameters were observed to have significant influence in improving the ablation resistance and adhesion strength of the coatings.