Composition optimization, high-temperature stability, and thermal cycling performance of Sc-doped Gd2Zr2O7 thermal barrier coatings: Theoretical and experimental studies

Sc was doped into Gd2Zr2O7 for expanding the potential for thermal barrier coating (TBC) applications. The solid solution mechanism of Sc in the Gd2Zr2O7 lattice, and the mechanical and thermophysical properties of the doped Gd2Zr2O7 were systematically studied by the first-principles method, based on which the Sc doping content was optimized. Additionally, Sc-doped Gd2Zr2O7 TBCs with the optimized composition were prepared by air plasma spraying using YSZ as a bottom ceramic coating (Gd-Sc/YSZ TBCs), and their sintering behavior and thermal cycling performance were examined. Results revealed that at low Sc doping levels, Sc has a large tendency to occupy the lattice interstitial sites, and when the doping content is above 11.11 at%, Sc substituting for Gd in the lattice becomes dominant. Among the doped Gd2Zr2O7, the composition with 16.67 at% Sc content has the lowest Pugh's indicator (G/B) and the highest Poisson ratio (sigma) indicative of the highest toughness, and the decreasing trends of Debye temperature and thermal conductivity slow down at this composition. By considering the mechanical and thermophysical properties comprehensively, the Sc doping content was optimized to be 16.67 at%. The fabricated Gd-Sc coatings remain phase and structural stability after sintering at 1400 degrees C for 100 h. Gd-Sc/YSZ TBCs exhibit excellent thermal shock resistance, which is related to the good thermal match between Gd-Sc and YSZ coatings, and the buffering effect of the YSZ coating during thermal cycling. These results revealed that Sc-doped Gd2Zr2O7 has a high potential for TBC applications, especially for the composition with 16.67 at% Sc content.

Automated summary

In this study, Sc was doped into Gd2Zr2O7 to expand the potential for thermal barrier coating (TBC) applications. The solid solution mechanism of Sc in the lattice and the properties of the doped Gd2Zr2O7 were systematically studied. It was found that the optimal Sc doping content was 16.67 at% for achieving the best mechanical and thermophysical properties. The fabricated Gd-Sc/YSZ TBCs showed excellent phase and structural stability at high temperatures and exhibited outstanding thermal shock resistance.