Oxidation kinetics of atmospheric plasma sprayed environmental barrier coatings

Three different Si/Yb-silicate environmental barrier coating systems (EBCs) were atmospheric plasma sprayed using various spray currents (275, 325, 375 A) for Yb-silicate deposition. The EBCs were thermally cycled between room temperature and 1300 ? up to 1000 h in air. Additionally, bare Si coatings were tested under isothermal and thermal cycling conditions in the as-sprayed state and after polishing at 1300 C in air. Parabolic oxidation kinetics were observed and oxidation protection provided by Yb-silicate was found to be influenced by the spray conditions, i.e. only at 325 A, Yb-silicate was effectively protecting the bond coat. The controlling mechanism was attributed to densification in the Yb-silicate layer during thermal cycling, which was quantified via image analysis. The surface finish of the Si coating was also found to be influencing the oxidation rate. The TGO was thinner and less cracked on polished APS Si coating in comparison with the as-sprayed Si coating surface.