Mechanical properties of (ZrYTaErTi)O composites

Good fracture toughness can prolong the service life of thermal barrier coatings under thermomechanical loading. Yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ) and other novel thermal barrier coatings have low fracture toughness and are thus prone to spalling failure. High-entropy ceramics can provide coatings with excellent mechanical properties. In this study, (ZrYTaErTi)O composites were prepared via a solid-state reaction method based on the concept of high-entropy ceramics. The high-temperature phase stability and mechanical properties of the material were characterised and analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microindentation tests. The results showed that (Zr0.544Y0.114Ta0.114Er0.114Ti0.114)O had the best fracture toughness, which is 1.5 times higher than that of YSZ, of the ceramics prepared with different composition ratios. At the same time, the effects of grain size and the introduction of a second phase on the fracture toughness of the composites were analysed. This study provides guidance for future research on improving the mechanical properties of novel thermal barrier coating materials.

Automated summary

Good fracture toughness can prolong the service life of thermal barrier coatings, and high-entropy ceramics can provide coatings with excellent mechanical properties. In this study, (ZrYTaErTi)O composites with the best fracture toughness were prepared and characterized. The effects of grain size and the introduction of a second phase on the fracture toughness were analyzed. This study provides guidance for future research on improving the mechanical properties of novel thermal barrier coating materials.