A review on the performance and lifetime improvement of thermal barrier coatings

Abstract

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are widely used in various engineering fields such as internal combustion engines, aero- and land-based gas turbines, etc. The use of TBCs combined with internal air cooling of the hot components provides surface temperature reduction of the underlying superalloys. Recognition of different methods to improve the lifetime of TBCs, makes them suitable for wider engineering applications. The current paper presents a comprehensive review on different materials and processing methods used in the fabrication of TBCs. In addition, various degradation mechanisms of the TBCs such as high thermal oxidation, thermal cyclic fatigue, and corrosive conditions are reviewed herein, along with a discussion on the new developments to improve the performance of this type of coatings in the engineering applications.