Thermo-mechanical Behavior of Plasma Sprayed Zirconia Coatings

Thermally sprayed ceramic coatings deposited from agglomerated feedstock powder have often demonstrated improved properties relative to coatings produced from conventional powders. These types of coatings have been reported to exhibit better wear resistance and higher adhesion strength compared to conventional deposits. In order to apply these types of coatings on turbine blades and diesel engine combustion chambers, the thermo-mechanical properties of plasma sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia coating were investigated. Creep strains and creep rates were measured using free standing thick coatings (3 mm) loaded in the four-point bend configuration at a range of temperatures (from 800 to 1200 ºC in air) and loads (27 to 49 N). Creep exponents and activation energy of the coatings were measured and the results were compared.