Yb2O3-Gd2O3 codoped strontium zirconate composite ceramics for potential thermal barrier coating applications

Strontium zirconate (SrZrO₃) has been considered as a promising thermal barrier coating (TBC) material for application in gas turbine engines; however, the phase transition problem limits its application. In this study, an Yb₂O₃ and Gd₂O₃ codoped SrZrO₃ system with excellent properties was reported. Yb₂O₃-Gd₂O₃ codoped SrZrO₃ ceramic powders [Sr_0.8(Zr_0.9Yb_0.05Gd_0.05)O_2.75, SZYG/YGZO], [Sr(Zr_0.9Yb_0.05Gd_0.05)O_2.95, SZYG] and pure SrZrO₃ (SZO) powders were produced by a conventional solid-state reaction method. The XRD and Raman results show that, the composite SZYG/YGZO ceramics consist of the SZO and Yb_0.5Zr_0.5O_1.75 phases with a low thermal conductivity of ~1.3 W/(m·K) at 1000°C, which is at least 40% lower than that of the SZO ceramics. The TG-DSC results show that the SZYG/YGZO ceramics have no phase transition in the temperature range of 600 to 1400°C. The thermal expansion coefficient of the SZYG/YGZO ceramics reaches 10.9 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ (1250°C). In addition, the fracture toughness of the SZYG/YGZO ceramics increases by more than 30% compared with the SZO ceramics, and this can be attributed to the presence of the Yb_0.5Zr_0.5O_1.75 phase.     

Thermophysical properties of Yb2O3 doped Gd2Zr2O7 and thermal cycling durability of (Gd0.9Yb0.1)2Zr2O7/YSZ thermal barrier coatings

(Gd_1−xYb_x)₂Zr₂O₇ compounds were synthesized by solid reaction. Yb₂O₃ doped Gd₂Zr₂O₇ exhibited lower thermal conductivities and higher thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) than Gd₂Zr₂O₇. The TECs of (Gd_1−xYb_x)₂Zr₂O₇ ceramics increased with increasing Yb₂O₃ contents. (Gd_0.9Yb_0.1)₂Zr₂O₇ (GYbZ) ceramic exhibited the lowest thermal conductivity among all the ceramics studied, within the range of 0.8–1.1 W/mK (20–1600 °C). The Young's modulus of GYbZ bulk is 265.6 ± 11 GPa. GYbZ/YSZ double-ceramic-layer thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) were prepared by electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD). The coatings had an average life of more than 3700 cycles during flame shock test with a coating surface temperature of ∼1350 °C. Spallation failure of the TBC occurred by delamination cracking within GYbZ layer, which was a result of high temperature gradient in the GYbZ layer and low fracture toughness of GYbZ material.     

Thermo-physical and mechanical properties of Yb2O3 and Sc2O3 co-doped Gd2Zr2O7 ceramics

Ceramic materials for the thermal barrier coating (TBC) application of Gd₂Zr₂O₇ (GZO), (Gd_0.94Yb_0.06)₂Zr₂O₇ (GYb_0.06Z), (Gd_0.925Sc_0.075)₂Zr₂O₇ (GSc_0.075Z), (Gd_0.865Sc_0.075Yb_0.06)₂Zr₂O₇ (GSc_0.075Yb_0.06Z), and (Gd_0.8Sc_0.1Yb_0.1)₂Zr₂O₇ (GSc_0.1Yb_0.1Z) were successfully synthesized by chemical co-precipitation. The effects of the doping of Sc₂O₃ and Yb₂O₃ on the phases, thermo-physical and mechanical properties of the ceramics were investigated. The results show that both Yb₂O₃ and Sc₂O₃ doping promoted the phase transition of GZO from pyrochlore to fluorite. All the Sc₂O₃-doped samples exhibited enhanced fracture toughness, as compared to the undoped sample. Furthermore, the GSc_0.075Yb_0.06Z sample revealed a thermal conductivity of ~0.8 W/mK at 1200 °C, which was nearly 30% lower than that of the undoped sample. The associated mechanisms related to the effects of the doping on the thermophysical and mechanical properties are discussed.     

Phase composition,microstructure and thermophysical properties of the Srx(Zr0.9Y0.05Yb0.05)O1.95+x ceramics

Sr_x(Zr_0.9Y_0.05Yb_0.05)O_1.95+x (x=1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7) ceramics were prepared by solid state reaction sintering. The sintered Sr_1.0(Zr_0.9Y_0.05Yb_0.05)O_2.95 is a single-phase solid solution while the sintered Sr_x(Zr_0.9Y_0.05Yb_0.05)O_1.95+x (x=0.9?0.7) are composites, and a significant grain growth inhibition is observed in the sintered Sr_x(Zr_0.9Y_0.05Yb_0.05)O_1.95+x (x=1.0, 0.9). Rare-earth elements distribution in the bulk materials indicates that Yb and Y preferentially substitute Zr-sites in SrZrO₃, and the highest solubility of RE₂O₃ in pure SrZrO₃ is ～0.8 mol%. The sintered Sr_x(Zr_0.9Y_0.05Yb_0.05)O_1.95+x have high thermal expansion coefficients up to ～11.0×10^?6 K^-1 (1200°C). Sr_0.8(Zr_0.9Y_0.05Yb_0.05)O_2.75 has the lowest thermal conductivity of 1.38 W·m^-1·K^-1 at 800°C. Sr_x(Zr_0.9Y_0.05Yb_0.05)O_1.95+x (x=1.0, 0.9, 0.8) show no phase transition from 600 to 1400°C, whereas Sr_x(Zr_0.9Y_0.05Yb_0.05)O_1.95+x (x=0.9, 0.8) have excellent high-temperature phase stability over the whole investigated temperature range. Therefore, Sr_x(Zr_0.9Y_0.05Yb_0.05)O_1.95+x (x=1.0, 0.9, 0.8) are considered as promising TBCs materials that might be operated at higher temperatures compared to YSZ.     

Effects of Yb3+ doping on phase structure,thermal conductivity and fracture toughness of (Nd1-xYbx)2Zr2O7

To investigate the effects of Yb³⁺ doping on phase structure, thermal conductivity and fracture toughness of bulk Nd₂Zr₂O₇, a series of (Nd_1-xYb_x)₂Zr₂O₇ (x?=?0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) ceramics were synthesized using a solid-state reaction sintering method at 1600?°C for 10?h. The phase structures were sensitive to the Yb³⁺ content. With increasing doping concentration, a pyrochlore-fluorite transformation of (Nd_1-xYb_x)₂Zr₂O₇ ceramics occurred. Meanwhile, the ordering degree of crystal structure decreased. The substitution mechanism of Yb³⁺ doping was confirmed by analyzing the lattice parameter variation and chemical bond of bulk ceramics. The thermal conductivities of (Nd_1-xYb_x)₂Zr₂O₇ ceramics decreased first and then increased with the increase of Yb³⁺ content. The lowest thermal conductivity of approximately 1.2?W?m^?1 K^?1 at 800?°C was attained at x?=?0.4, around 20% lower than that of pure Nd₂Zr₂O₇. Besides, the fracture toughness reached a maximum value of ~1.59?MPa?m^1/2 at x?=?0.8 but decreased with further increasing Yb³⁺ doping concentration. The mechanism for the change of fracture toughness was discussed to result from the lattice distortion and structure disorder caused by Yb³⁺ doping.     

Improvement on the phase stability,mechanical properties and thermal insulation of Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 by Gd2O3 and Yb2O3 co-doping

Gd₂O₃ and Yb₂O₃ co-doped 3.5 mol% Y₂O₃–ZrO₂ and conventional 3.5 mol% Y₂O₃–ZrO₂ (YSZ) powders were synthesized by solid state reaction. The objective of this study was to improve the phase stability, mechanical properties and thermal insulation of YSZ. After heat treatment at 1500 °C for 10 h, 1 mol% Gd₂O₃–1 mol% Yb₂O₃ co-doped YSZ (1Gd1Yb-YSZ) had higher resistance to destabilization of metastable tetragonal phase than YSZ. The hardness of 5 mol% Gd₂O₃–1 mol% Yb₂O₃ co-doped YSZ (5Gd1Yb-YSZ) was higher than that of YSZ. Compared with YSZ, 1Gd1Yb-YSZ and 5Gd1Yb-YSZ exhibited lower thermal conductivity and shorter phonon mean free path. At 1300 °C, the thermal conductivity of 5Gd1Yb-YSZ was 1.23 W/m K, nearly 25% lower than that of YSZ (1.62 W/m K). Gd₂O₃ and Yb₂O₃ co-doped YSZ can be explored as a candidate material for thermal barrier coating applications.     

Marked reduction in the thermal conductivity of (La0.2Gd0.2Y0.2Yb0.2Er0.2)2Zr2O7 high-entropy ceramics by substituting Zr4+ with Ti4+

The (La_0.2Gd_0.2Y_0.2Yb_0.2Er_0.2)₂(Zr_1-xTi_x)₂O₇ (x = 0–0.5) high-entropy ceramics were successfully prepared by a solid state reaction method and their structures and thermo-physical properties were investigated. It was found that the high-entropy ceramics demonstrate pure pyrochlore phase with the composition of x = 0.1–0.5, while (La_0.2Gd_0.2Y_0.2Yb_0.2Er_0.2)₂Zr₂O₇ shows the defective fluorite structure. The sintered high-entropy ceramics are dense and the grain boundaries are clean. The grain size of high-entropy ceramics increases with the Ti⁴⁺ content. The average thermal expansion coefficients of the (La_0.2Gd_0.2Y_0.2Yb_0.2Er_0.2)₂(Zr_1-xTi_x)₂O₇ high-entropy ceramics range from 10.65 × 10^?6 K^?1 to 10.84 × 10^?6 K^?1. Importantly, the substitution of Zr⁴⁺ with Ti⁴⁺ resulted in a remarkable decrease in thermal conductivity of (La_0.2Gd_0.2Y_0.2Yb_0.2Er_0.2)₂(Zr_1-xTi_x)₂O₇ high-entropy ceramics. It reduced from 1.66 W m^?1 K^?1 to 1.20 W m^?1 K^?1, which should be ascribed to the synergistic effects of mass disorder, size disorder, mixed configuration entropy value and rattlers.     

Effect of Zn addition on the structure and electrochemical properties of co-doped BaCe0.6Zr0.2Ln0.2O3-δ (Ln=Y,Gd, Yb) proton conductors

In this work, BaCe_0.6Zr_0.2Y_0.2-xYb_xO_3-δ and BaCe_0.6Zr_0.2Gd_0.2-xYb_xO_3-δ (x?=?0–0.20), proton conducting materials are prepared by the freeze-drying precursor method. The sintering conditions were optimized by adding Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O as sintering additive. The materials are thoroughly characterized by different structural and microstructural techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis. The addition of Zn favours the phase formation and densification at lower sintering temperatures; however, it leads to the segregation of a Zn-rich secondary phase, with general formula BaLn₂ZnO₅ (Ln?Y, Gd and Yb), which is identified and quantified for the first time. All samples with Zn as sintering aid exhibit cubic structure; however, the samples without Zn crystallize with orthorhombic or cubic structure, depending on the composition and thermal treatment. The electrical properties are studied by impedance spectroscopy. A deep analysis of the bulk and grain boundary contributions to the conductivity has revealed that the bulk conductivity remains almost unchanged along both series over Yb-doping; however, the grain boundary resistance decreases. The highest conductivity values are found for the intermediate members of both series, BaCe_0.6Zr_0.2Y_0.1Yb_0.1O_3-δ and BaCe_0.6Zr_0.2Gd_0.1Yb₁O_3-δ, with 33 and 28?mS?cm^?1 at 750?°C, respectively.     

A new type of Sr(Zr0.2Hf0.2Ce0.2Yb0.2Me0.2)O3−x (Me = Y,Gd) high-entropy ceramics used in thermal barrier coatings

Seeking for new ceramics with excellent thermophysical properties as thermal barrier coatings candidate materials has become a hot research field. In this study, Sr(Zr_0.2Hf_0.2Ce_0.2Yb_0.2Me_0.2)O_3−x high-entropy ceramic powders were successfully synthesized by the method of solid-state reaction, and the ceramics with single phase were prepared by pressureless sintering at 1600°C. The phase composition, microstructure, element distribution, high-temperature thermal stability, and thermophysical properties of the ceramics were studied. The results showed that Sr(Zr_0.2Hf_0.2Ce_0.2Yb_0.2Me_0.2)O_3−x ceramics were composed of SrZrO₃ phase and the second phase of AB₂O₄ spinel (i.e., SrY₂O₄ and SrGd₂O₄). The content of the second phase was gradually increased after heat treatment at 1400°C, which significantly improved the thermophysical and mechanical properties of the ceramics. The microhardness and fracture toughness of the ceramics were improved compared with that of SrZrO₃. The thermal conductivities of Sr(Zr_0.2Hf_0.2Ce_0.2Yb_0.2Me_0.2)O_3−x (Me = Y, Gd) ceramics were 1.30 and 1.28 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 1000°C, which were about 35% and 40% lower than that of SrZrO₃ (1.96 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹) and yttria-stabilized zirconia (2.12 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹), respectively. The thermal expansion coefficients of Sr(Zr_0.2Hf_0.2Ce_0.2Yb_0.2Me_0.2)O_3−x (Me = Y, Gd) ceramics were 12.8 × 10⁻⁶ and 14.1 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ at 1300°C, respectively, which was more closer to the superalloys compared with SrZrO₃ ceramic (11.0 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹).     

High-entropy fluorite oxides

Eleven fluorite oxides with five principal cations (in addition to a four-principal-cation (Hf_0.25Zr_0.25Ce_0.25Y_0.25)O_2-δ as a start point and baseline) were fabricated via high-energy ball milling, spark plasma sintering, and annealing in air. Eight of the compositions, namely (Hf_0.25Zr_0.25Ce_0.25Y_0.25)O_2-δ, (Hf_0.25Zr_0.25Ce_0.25)(Y_0.125Yb_0.125)O_2-δ, (Hf_0.2Zr_0.2Ce_0.2)(Y_0.2Yb_0.2)O_2-δ, (Hf_0.25Zr_0.25Ce_0.25)(Y_0.125Ca_0.125)O_2-δ, (Hf_0.25Zr_0.25Ce_0.25)(Y_0.125Gd_0.125)O_2-δ, (Hf_0.2Zr_0.2Ce_0.2)(Y_0.2Gd_0.2)O_2-δ, (Hf_0.25Zr_0.25Ce_0.25)(Yb_0.125Gd_0.125)O_2-δ, and (Hf_0.2Zr_0.2Ce_0.2)(Yb_0.2Gd_0.2)O_2-δ, possess single-phase solid solutions of the fluorite crystal structure with high configurational entropies (on the cation sublattices), akin to those high-entropy alloys and ceramics reported in prior studies. Most high-entropy fluorite oxides (HEFOs), except for the two containing both Yb and Gd, can be sintered to high relative densities. These single-phase HEFOs exhibit lower electrical conductivities and comparable hardness (even with higher contents of softer components such as Y₂O₃ and Yb₂O₃), in comparison with 8?mol. % Y₂O₃-stabilized ZrO₂ (8YSZ). Notably, these single-phase HEFOs possess lower thermal conductivities than that of 8YSZ, presumably due to high phonon scattering by multiple cations and strained lattices.     

Multi-component strategy for remarkable suppression of thermal conductivity in strontium diyttrium oxide: The case of high-entropy Sr(Y0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2Dy0.2Yb0.2)2O4 ceramic

Anti-spinel oxide SrY₂O₄ has attracted extensive attention as a promising host lattice due to its outstanding high-temperature structural stability and large thermal expansion coefficient (TEC). However, the overhigh thermal conductivity limits its application in the field of thermal barrier coatings. To address this issue, a novel high-entropy Sr(Y_0.2Sm_0.2Gd_0.2Dy_0.2Yb_0.2)₂O₄ ceramic was designed and synthesized for the first time via the solid-state method. It is found that the thermal conductivity of Sr(Y_0.2Sm_0.2Gd_0.2Dy_0.2Yb_0.2)₂O₄ is reduced to 1.61 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, 53 % lower than that of SrY₂O₄ (3.44 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹) at 1500 °C. Furthermore, reasonable TEC (11.53 ×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹, 25 °C ∼ 1500 °C), excellent phase stability, and improved fracture toughness (1.92 ± 0.04 MPa·m^1/2) remained for the high-entropy Sr(Y_0.2Sm_0.2Gd_0.2Dy_0.2Yb_0.2)₂O₄ ceramic, making it a promising material for next-generation thermal barrier coatings.     

A simple and effective process for fabrication of Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 solid electrolyte ceramics

Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_1.95 ceramics were prepared using a simple and effective process in this study. Without any prior calcination, the mixture of raw materials was pressed and sintered directly. The reaction of the raw materials occurred during the heating up period by passing the calcination stage in the conventional solid-state reaction method. More than 99.5% of theoretical density was obtained for Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_1.95 sintering at 1500–1600 °C. Fine grains (<1 μm) formed in pellets sintered at 1450 °C. The homogeneity of grains increased with the sintering temperature. The grains grew to >4.5 μm in pellets sintered at 1600 °C. The reactive-sintering process is proved to be a simple and effective method in preparing Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_1.95 ceramics for solid electrolyte application.     

Synthesis of LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 from Li2CO3, NiO or NiCO3, and CoCO3 or Co3O4 and their electrochemical properties

Cathode active materials with a composition of LiNi_0.9Co_0.1O₂ were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method at 850 °C using Li₂CO₃, NiO or NiCO₃, and CoCO₃ or Co₃O₄, as the sources of Li, Ni, and Co, respectively. Electrochemical properties, structure, and microstructure of the synthesized LiNi_0.9Co_0.1O₂ samples were analyzed. The curves of voltage vs. x in Li_xNi_0.9Co_0.1O₂ for the first charge–discharge and the intercalated and deintercalated Li quantity Δx were studied. The destruction of unstable 3b sites and phase transitions were discussed from the first and second charge–discharge curves of voltage vs. x in Li_xNi_0.9Co_0.1O₂. The LiNi_0.9Co_0.1O₂ sample synthesized from Li₂CO₃, NiO, and Co₃O₄ had the largest first discharge capacity (151 mA h/g), with a discharge capacity deterioration rate of −0.8 mA h/g/cycle (that is, a discharge capacity increasing 0.8 mA h/g per cycle).     

Raman and dielectric investigation of (Ba0.9−xSrxCa0.1)(Ti0.8Zr0.2)O3 ferroelectric ceramics

Solid solutions of (Ba_0.9−xSr_xCa_0.1)(Ti_0.8Zr_0.2)O₃ (BSCTZ) (0.1≤x≤0.4) were prepared using the conventional solid state reaction method. The effects of the substitution content on the crystallographic structure, phase transition and dielectric properties of the samples were investigated by dielectric and Raman spectroscopy over a wide temperature range from 100 to 500 K. All the samples were noted to undergo a diffuse phase transition from the tetragonal to the cubic phase and to exhibit a relaxor ferroelectric behavior.     

Mechanical properties and calcium–magnesium–alumino–silicate corrosion behaviour of Ce/Gd co-doped SrZrO3 ceramics

Sr(Zr_1-2xCe_xGd_x)O_3-0.5x (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15) ceramics were prepared by pressureless sintering using powders that were synthesized by solid-state reaction. The mechanical properties and calcium–magnesium–alumino–silicate (CMAS) early corrosion behaviour of the prepared ceramics were reported. The mechanical properties of rare-earth-doped SrZrO₃ improved significantly. The reaction products of the Sr(Zr_1-2xCe_xGd_x)O_3-0.5x ceramics after CMAS corrosion were similar: zirconia, SrAl₂O₄, akermanite, and anorthite. The mechanism of CMAS corrosion resistance is summarized as follows: elemental Sr easily enters the CMAS melt, because of its high diffusivity, and promotes crystallization. Rare-earth elements can prevent melt infiltration because of their low diffusivity.     

Wetting,infiltration, and interaction behavior of calcium-magnesium-alumino-silicate towards Gd/Yb-modified SrZrO3 coatings deposited by solution precursor plasma spray

Wetting of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) with calcium-magnesium- alumino-silicate (CMAS) leads to sintering and phase transition, which are major issues in the aerospace industry. We prepared Sr(Zr_1−2xYb_xGd_x)O_3−x (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15) coatings using solution precursor plasma spraying with inter-pass boundaries (IPBs) and vertical cracks, and analyzed the CMAS wettability at 1350 °C using the sessile-drop method. The wetting and diffusion dynamics of the CMAS melt on the surface of the coating were studied using a CCD camera, revealing that the Sr(Zr_0.7Yb_0.15Gd_0.15)O_2.85 coating had the lowest spreading speed (2.60 × 10⁻⁴ mm/s, spreading balance process). Furthermore, a greater extent of crack bending and smaller crack diameter can prevent the coatings from penetration of the CMAS melt.     

La2Zr2O7 based high entropy ceramic with a low thermal conductivity and enhanced CMAS corrosion resistance

Herein, five new La₂Zr₂O₇ based high-entropy ceramic materials, such as (La_0.2Ce_0.2Gd_0.2Y_0.2Er_0.2)₂Zr₂O₇, (La_0.2Ce_0.2Gd_0.2Er_0.2Sm_0.2)₂Zr₂O₇, (La_0.2Gd_0.2Y_0.2Er_0.2Sm_0.2)₂Zr₂O₇, (La_0.2Ce_0.2Y_0.2Er_0.2Sm_0.2)₂Zr₂O₇, (La_0.2Ce_0.2Gd_0.2Y_0.2Sm_0.2)₂Zr₂O₇), were synthesized using a sol-gel and high-temperature sintering (1000 °C) method. The spark plasma sintered (SPS) (La_0.2Ce_0.2Gd_0.2Er_0.2Sm_0.2)₂Zr₂O₇ pellet shows a low thermal conductivity of 1.33 W m^-1 K^-1 at 773 K, and it also exhibits better CaO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ corrosion resistance than that of Y₂O₃ stabilized ZrO₂. It shows that (La_0.2Ce_0.2Gd_0.2Er_0.2Sm_0.2)₂Zr₂O₇ has a promising application potential as a thermal barrier coating.     

Thermal behaviour of multilayer and functionally-graded YSZ/Gd2Zr2O7 coatings

Zirconates with pyrochlore structure, such as Gd₂Zr₂O₇, are new promising thermal barrier coatings because of their very low thermal conductivity and good chemical resistance against molten salts. However, their coefficient of thermal expansion is low, therefore their thermal fatigue resistance is compromised. As a solution, the combination of yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ) and Gd₂Zr₂O₇ can reduce the thermal contraction mismatch between the thermal barrier coating parts.In the present study, two possible designs have been performed to combine YSZ/Gd₂Zr₂O₇. On the one hand, a multilayer coating was obtained where YSZ layer was deposited between a Gd₂Zr₂O₇ layer and a bond coat. On the other hand, a functionally-graded coating was designed where different layers with variable ratios of YSZ/Gd₂Zr₂O₇ were deposited such that the composition gradually changed along the coating thickness.Multilayer and functionally-graded coatings underwent isothermal and thermally-cycled treatments in order to evaluate the oxidation, sintering effects and thermal fatigue resistance of the coatings. The YSZ/Gd₂Zr₂O₇ multilayer coating displayed better thermal behaviour than the Gd₂Zr₂O₇ monolayer coating but quite less thermal fatigue resistance compared to the conventional YSZ coating. However, the functionally-graded coating displays a good thermal fatigue resistance. Hence, it can be concluded that this kind of design is ideal to optimise the behaviour of thermal barrier coatings.     

Aging effect on microstructure and property of strontium zirconate coating co-doped with double rare-earth oxides

Strontium zirconate coating co-doped with ytterbia and gadolinia (Sr(Zr_0.9Yb_0.05Gd_0.05)O_2.95, SZYG) and strontium zirconate coating (SrZrO₃, SZ) were prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying. The SZYG coating shows improved phase stability from room temperature to 1400°C, while its thermal conductivity (~0.8 W m⁻¹K⁻¹) is at least ~40% lower than that of the SZ coating. Both SZYG and SZ coatings were heat-treated at 1400°C up to 360 hours in air. The X-ray diffraction results reveal that both the as-sprayed SZYG and SZ coatings are composed of main phase SrZrO₃ and secondary phase t-ZrO₂. These two phases do not undergo phase transition upon heat treatment up to 360 hours in the SZYG coating, whereas t-ZrO₂ transforms into m-ZrO₂ almost completely after 20 hours heat treatment in the SZ coating, suggesting a strong promoting role in stabilizing t-ZrO₂ by the additions of Yb₂O₃ and Gd₂O₃ in the SZYG coating. The content of t-ZrO₂ is ~4.3 wt.% in the as-sprayed SZYG coating and increases to ~19.5 wt.% after 360 hours heat treatment, analyzed using Jade software. The thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) of the SZYG coatings have no abrupt decrease after heat treatment for more than 5 hours, whereas an abrupt decrease in the TECs of the SZ coating is observed after 100 hours heat treatment. The superior performance of the SZYG coating is attributed to the very stable secondary phase t-ZrO₂ stabilized by the co-doping of ytterbia and gadolinia.     

Preparation and thermophysical properties of LaMgAl11O19–Yb3Al5O12 ceramic composites

LaMgAl₁₁O₁₉–Yb₃Al₅O₁₂ ceramic composites were prepared by pressureless sintering process at 1700 °C for 10 h in air. The microstructure and thermophysical properties of the composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-temperature dilatometer and laser flash diffusivity measurements. LaMgAl₁₁O₁₉–Yb₃Al₅O₁₂ ceramic composites are composed of magnetoplumbite and garnet structures. LaMgAl₁₁O₁₉–Yb₃Al₅O₁₂ ceramic composites exhibit typical linear increase in thermal expansion with the increase of temperature. The measured thermal diffusivity gradually decreases with increasing temperature. Thermal conductivity of LaMgAl₁₁O₁₉–Yb₃Al₅O₁₂ ceramic composites is in the range of 2.6–3.9 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ from room temperature to 1200 °C.