Investigation of three steps of hot corrosion process in Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 coatings including nano zones

Phase transformation of tetragonal ZrO2 to monoclinic phase and also increment of bond coat oxidation kinetic (TGO thickening) can substantially restrict the life time of thermal barrier coating systems (TBCs). So, nanostructured and conventional Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 coatings were evaluated in fused V2O5-Na2SO4 salts during thermal exposure in air. Microstructural characterization showed lower hot corrosion products (monoclinic zirconia, YVO4 crystals) formation and reduction of TGO thickness in thermal barrier coating system consisting of nanostructured Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) top coat. It was found that inhomogeneities, pores and micro-cracks played a principal role in the molten salts infiltration into the YSZ coating during three steps of hot corrosion process. In the nanostructured YSZ coating with tri-model structure, nano zones which surrounded by fully molten parts could fill the aforementioned defects and could act as barrier for the oxygen and corrosive molten salts penetration into the TBC.