Hot corrosion behavior of NdYbZr2O7 exposed to V2O5 and Na2SO4 + V2O5 molten salts

In order to evaluate the application prospects of NdYbZr₂O₇ as a novel TBC material, NdYbZr₂O₇ ceramic was synthesized via a solid-state reaction sintering method, and its hot corrosion behavior exposed to V₂O₅ and Na₂SO₄ + V₂O₅ molten salts at 900 °C, 1000 °C, and 1100 °C was comparatively investigated. For the V₂O₅ salt, the primary corrosion products were granular (Nd,Yb)VO₄ as well as cube-like m-ZrO₂. The corrosion layer consisted of two distinct layers, one of which was Zr-rich layer and another was V-rich layer. In the case of Na₂SO₄ + V₂O₅, NaVO₃, as an intermediate product, played an important role in dissolving the NdYbZr₂O₇ ceramic. Herein, the (Nd,Yb)VO₄ exhibited a rod/plate-like morphology, which could be attributed to the synergistic effect of low driving force and low nucleation rate. Since the molten salt infiltration rate was superior to the pore filling rate throughout the hot corrosion, the thickness of corrosion layer increased with the rise of temperature. The hot corrosion mechanisms of NdYbZr₂O₇ ceramic in various molten salts were discussed based on the phase diagram, Lewis acid-base rule and chemical thermodynamics. On this basis, the NdYbZr₂O₇ coating was prepared by atmospheric plasma spray (APS) and it exhibits a higher corrosion resistance compared to YSZ coating.     

Hot corrosion behaviors of SrZrO3 ceramic co-doped with Y2O3 and Yb2O3 in molten Na2SO4, V2O5, and Na2SO4 + V2O5 salts mixture

The hot corrosion behaviors of Sr(Y_0.05Yb_0.05Zr_0.9)O_2.95 (SYYZ) ceramic were investigated in Na₂SO₄, V₂O₅, and Na₂SO₄ + V₂O₅ salts mixture, respectively. Na₂SO₄ did not react with SYYZ ceramic at 900, 950 and 1000 °C. m-ZrO₂, YVO₄ and YbVO₄ were the main corrosion products on the SYYZ ceramic surface in V₂O₅ at 800 and 900 °C, whereas Sr₃V₂O₈ and t-ZrO₂ appeared at 1000 °C. In Na₂SO₄ + V₂O₅ salts mixture, the corrosion products were Sr₃V₂O₈ and t-ZrO₂ at 800 and 900 °C on the SYYZ ceramic surface, however, a new phase of SrZrO₃ developed at 1000 °C. The phase transformation and chemical interaction are the primary corrosion mechanisms for degradation of SYYZ ceramic.     

Preparation of plasma sprayed nanostructured GdPO4 thermal barrier coating and its hot corrosion behavior in molten salts

Nanostructured GdPO₄ coatings, designed as the outer layer of double-ceramic-layer thermal barrier coatings (DCL-TBCs), were produced by air plasma spraying (APS). The coatings have close chemical composition to that of the agglomerated particles used for thermal spray. Nanozones with porous structure are embedded in the coating microstructure, having a percentage of ~30%. Hot corrosion tests of the coatings were carried out in V₂O₅ and Na₂SO₄+V₂O₅ salts at 900 °C for 4 h. Results indicate that dense reaction layers, consisting of GdVO₄ and Gd₄(P₂O₇)₃, form on the coating surfaces, which could suppress further penetration of the molten salts. In the V₂O₅ molten salt, the reaction layer is thicker and less molten salt trace could be found beneath the layer.     

Comparison of hot corrosion resistance of Sm2Zr2O7 and (Sm0.5Sc0.5)2Zr2O7 ceramics in Na2SO4+V2O5 molten salt

Sm₂Zr₂O₇ and (Sm_0.5Sc_0.5)₂Zr₂O₇ ceramics were fabricated by a chemical co-precipitation and calcination method, and their hot corrosion behaviors in Na₂SO₄+V₂O₅ molten salt were investigated. Hot corrosion tests were carried at 700 °C, 800 °C and 900 °C for 4 h, and corroded surfaces were investigated using X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscopy. The corrosion products of Sm₂Zr₂O₇ ceramics were composed of SmVO₄ and monoclinic-ZrO₂, while those of (Sm_0.5Sc_0.5)₂Zr₂O₇ ceramic consisted of SmVO₄ and Zr₅Sc₂O₁₃. Considering the fact that Zr₅Sc₂O₁₃ is more desirable than monoclinic-ZrO₂ for thermal barrier coating applications, (Sm_0.5Sc_0.5)₂Zr₂O₇ showed better corrosion resistance to Na₂SO₄+V₂O₅ salt than Sm₂Zr₂O₇. The hot corrosion mechanisms of Sm₂Zr₂O₇ and (Sm_0.5Sc_0.5)₂Zr₂O₇ in Na₂SO₄+ V₂O₅ salt were discussed in detail.     

Spark plasma sintering of (5RE.2)Ta3O9 high-entropy ceramics and their thermal properties

Six rare-earth tantalate high-entropy ceramics of (5RE_.2)Ta₃O₉ (RE represents any five elements selected from La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) were designed and prepared by spark plasma sintering process at 1400°C in this study. The (5RE_.2)Ta₃O₉ ceramics only consist of a single-phase solid solution with perovskite structure. Their relative densities are all above 90%, and the average grain size is in the range of 1.47–2.92 μm. The thermal conductivity of (5RE_.2)Ta₃O₉ ceramics is in 2.24–1.90 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ (25°C–500°C), which is much lower than that of yttria-stabilized zirconia. In six samples, (La_.2Nd_.2Sm_.2Gd_.2Eu_.2)Ta₃O₉ possesses a thermal conductivity of 1.90 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹, a thermal expansion coefficient of 3.47 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ (500°C), a Vickers hardness of about 7.33 GPa, and a fracture toughness of about 5.20 MPa m^1/2, which are suitable for its application as thermal barrier coatings.     

Rare-earth-tantalate high-entropy ceramics with sluggish grain growth and low thermal conductivity

A series of rare-earth-tantalate high-entropy ceramics ((5RE_0.2)Ta₃O₉, where RE = five elements chosen from La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu and Gd) were prepared by conventional sintering in air at 1500 ^°C for 10 h. The (5RE_0.2)Ta₃O₉ high-entropy ceramics exhibit an orthogonal structure and sluggish grain growth. No phase transition occurs in the test temperature of 25–1200 ^°C. The thermal conductivities of all (5RE_0.2)Ta₃O₉ ceramics are in the range of 1.14–1.98 W m^?1 K^?1 at a test temperature of 25–500 ^°C, approximately half of that of YSZ. The sample of (Gd_0.2Ce_0.2Nd_0.2Sm_0.2Eu_0.2)Ta₃O₉ exhibits a low glass-like thermal conductivity with a value of 1.14 W m^?1 K^?1 at 25 ^°C. The thermal expansion coefficient of (5RE_0.2)Ta₃O₉ ceramics ranges from 5.6 × 10^?6 to 7.8 × 10^?6 K^?1 at 25–800 ^°C, and their fracture toughness is high (3.09–6.78 MPa·m^1/2). The results above show that (5RE_0.2)Ta₃O₉ ceramics could be a promising candidate for thermal barrier coatings.     

Phase and microstructure evolution of Sc2O3–CeO2 –ZrO2ceramics in Na2SO4 + V2O5 molten salts

In this study, the destabilization resistance of Sc₂O₃ and CeO₂ co-stabilized ZrO₂ (SCZ) ceramics was tested in Na₂SO₄ + V₂O₅ molten salts at 750°C–1100 °C. The phase structure and microstructure evolution of the samples during the hot corrosion testing were analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results showed that the destabilization of SCZ ceramics at 750 °C was the result of the chemical reaction with V₂O₅ to produce m-ZrO₂ and CeVO₄, and little ScVO₄ was detected in the Sc₂O₃-rich SCZ ceramics. The primary corrosion products at 900 °C and 1100 °C were CeO₂ and m-ZrO₂ due to the mineralization effect. The Sc₂O₃-rich SCZ ceramics exhibited excellent degradation resistance and phase stability owing to the enhanced bond strength and the decreased size misfit between Zr⁴⁺ and Sc³⁺. The destabilization mechanism of SCZ ceramic under hot corrosion was also discussed.     

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.     

Hot corrosion resistance of air plasma sprayed ceramic Sm2SrAl2O7 (SSA) thermal barrier coatings in simulated gas turbine environments

Samarium strontium aluminate (Sm₂SrAl₂O₇-SSA) and Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) were developed on NiCrAlY bond coated Inconel 718 superalloy substrate using air plasma spray process. The hot corrosion study was conducted in simulated gas turbine environments (molten mixtures of 50?wt% Na₂SO₄ + 50?wt% V₂O₅ and 90?wt% Na₂SO₄ + 5?wt% V₂O₅ + 5?wt% NaCl) for two different temperatures of 700 and 900?°C. A developed SSA TBCs showed about 8% and 22% lower lifetime at 700 and 900?°C, respectively than YSZ TBCs in 50?wt% Na₂SO₄ +?50?wt% V₂O₅ (vanadate). The hot corrosion life of SSA TBCs being found about 13% and 39% lower than YSZ TBCs in 90?wt% Na₂SO₄ +?5?wt% V₂O₅ +?5?wt% NaCl (chloride) at 700 and 900?°C, respectively. X-ray diffraction results showed the formation of SmVO₄, SrV₂O₆, and SrSO₄ as a major hot corrosion product in 50?wt% Na₂SO₄ +?50?wt% V₂O₅ and 90?wt% Na₂SO₄ +?5?wt% V₂O₅ +?5?wt% NaCl environments respectively for SSA TBCs. Similarly, YSZ TBCs also showed YVO₄ as hot corrosion product in vanadate and chloride environments. Both the TBCs suffer a more severe hot corrosion attack in chloride environment at 900?°C. The leaching of Sr²⁺ and Y³⁺ ions from SSA and YSZ respectively play a vital role in the destabilization of coating in vanadate and chloride environments at 700 and 900?°C. In both SSA and YSZ TBCs, the leaching of ion has significantly low influence as compared to attack by chloride ions at the bond coat-top coat interface in the presence of chloride environment. The hot corrosion resistance of SSA TBCs was improved three times higher in the presence of MgO and NiO inhibitor in vanadate environment at 900?°C mainly due to the formation of a stable Ni₃V₂O₈ phase at the surface.     

Compatible performance of low thermal conductivity and high infrared radiation of Sm2O3-HfO2 series ceramics applied for thermal protection coatings

Sm₂O₃-HfO₂ series ceramics were synthesized at high temperature using the solid-state reaction. The phase stability, thermo-physical and infrared emission properties of Sm₂Hf₂O₇ (SHO) and Sm₂Hf₂O₇-44.83 wt%HfO₂ (25S/H) composite ceramics were comparatively investigated. Furthermore, their calcium magnesium aluminosilicate (CMAS) corrosion was conducted at 1250°C for different times. The results reveal that both SHO and 25S/H ceramics have excellent phase stability at 1600°C as well as excellent sintering resistance. SHO still exhibits slightly lower thermal conductivity and lower hardness and Young's modulus, higher thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) and fracture toughness as well as higher infrared emittance (0.899 at 800°C) than 25S/H composite with the excessive HfO₂ inside. Both SHO and 25S/H ceramics react with CMAS to form a relatively compact reaction layer, which can effectively prevent the penetration of CMAS. These results preliminarily indicate that SHO ceramic can be proposed as an alternative material of the traditional YSZ for high-temperature thermal protective applications thanks to its compatible performance of low thermal conductivity and high infrared radiation, etc.     

Structure evolution,thermal properties and sintering resistance of promising thermal barrier coating material La2(Zr0.75Ce0.25)2O7

Rare-earth doped zirconates are promising candidate materials for high-performance thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). The phase and microstructure stability is an important issue for the materials that must be clarified, which is related to the long-term stable work of TBCs at high temperatures. In this work, La₂(Zr_0.75Ce_0.25)₂O₇ (LCZ) ceramic coatings prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying present a metastable fluorite phase, which can transform into stable pyrochlore under high-temperature annealing. The detailed structure evolution of the ceramic coatings is characterized systematically by SEM, XRD and Raman. The associated thermal properties of LCZ ceramics were also reported. Results show that LCZ ceramic has an ultralow thermal conductivity (0.65 W/m·K, 1200 °C), which is only 1/3 of that of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The thermal expansion coefficients of LCZ ceramic increase from 9.68 × 10^-6 K^-1 to 10.7 × 10^-6 K^-1 (300 - 1500 °C), which are relatively larger than those of La₂Zr₂O₇. Besides, Long-term sintering demonstrates that LCZ ceramic coating has preferable sintering resistance at 1500 °C, which is desirable for TBC applications.     

Multidisciplinary approach for investigating the hot corrosion behavior of thermal barrier coatings

Herein, we propose a new multidisciplinary approach for investigating the corrosion behavior of thermal barrier coatings, combining the thermal-gradient mechanical fatigue method with hot corrosion tests. Corrosive salts (Na₂SO₄; V₂O₅) of varying concentrations (10−20 mg/cm²) were deposited on the surface of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings to evaluate the microstructural changes occurring during the reaction, via thermal graded mechanical fatigue tests. The tests were conducted at a surface temperature of 1150 °C in 10 min cycles and underwent applied uniaxial tensile loads. The corrosion tests show that the ZrV₂O₇ plays an important role as an intermediate in the collapse of the lamellar structures during the reaction, which results from the repetitive precipitation of V₂O₅ and m-ZrO₂ from the ZrV₂O₇. The microstructure of corroded YSZ coatings exhibited a different degradation mechanism under a thermomechanical environment, compared with the testing under isothermal atmospheric conditions.     

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.     

Effects of Yb and Sc co-doping on the thermal properties and CMAS corrosion of garnet-type (Y3-xYbx)(Al5-xScx)O12 ceramics

Thermal barrier coatings with excellent thermal performance and corrosion resistance are essential for improving the performance of aero-engines. In this paper, (Y_3-xYb_x)(Al_5-xSc_x)O₁₂ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) thermal barrier coating materials were synthesized by a combination of sol-gel method and ball milling refinement method. The thermal properties of the (Y_3-xYb_x)(Al_5-xSc_x)O₁₂ ceramics were significantly improved by increasing Yb and Sc doping content. Among designed ceramics, (Y_2.8Yb_0.2)(Al_4.8Sc_0.2)O₁₂ (YS-YAG) showed the lowest thermal conductivity (1.58 Wm^?1K^?1, at 800 °C) and the highest thermal expansion coefficient (10.7 × 10^?6 K^?1, at 1000 °C). In addition, calcium-magnesium- aluminum -silicate (CMAS) corrosion resistance of YS-YAG was further investigated. It was observed that YS-YAG ceramic effectively prevented CMAS corrosion due to its chemical inertness to CMAS as well as its unique and complex structure. Due to the excellent thermal properties and CMAS corrosion resistance, YS-YAG is considered to be prospective material for thermal barrier coatings.     

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.     

High-entropy (Ho0.2Y0.2Dy0.2Gd0.2Eu0.2)2Ti2O7/TiO2 composites with excellent mechanical and thermal properties

High-performance ceramics with low thermal conductivity, high mechanical properties, and idea thermal expansion coefficients have important applications in fields such as turbine blades and automotive engines. Currently, the thermal conductivity of ceramics has been significantly reduced by local doping/substitution or further high-entropy reconfiguration of the composition, but the mechanical properties, especially the fracture toughness, are insufficient and still need to be improved. In this work, based on the high-entropy titanate pyrochlore, TiO₂ was introduced for composite toughening and the high-entropy (Ho_0.2Y_0.2Dy_0.2Gd_0.2Eu_0.2)₂Ti₂O₇-xTiO₂ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 1.0 and 2.0) composites with high hardness (16.17 GPa), Young's modulus (289.3 GPa) and fracture toughness (3.612 MPa·m^0.5), low thermal conductivity (1.22 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹), and thermal expansion coefficients close to the substrate material (9.5 ×10⁻⁶/K) were successfully prepared by the solidification method. The fracture toughness of the composite toughened sample is 2.25 times higher than that before toughening, which exceeds most of the current low-thermal conductivity ceramics.     

High-temperature hot corrosion behavior of gadolinium zirconate by vanadium pentoxide and sodium sulfate in air

Gadolinium zirconate (Gd₂Zr₂O₇) prepared by solid state reaction exhibited a defect fluorite-type structure. Reactions between Gd₂Zr₂O₇ ceramic and vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅), sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄), and V₂O₅ + Na₂SO₄ mixture were investigated from 700 to 1000 °C in air using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). V₂O₅ reacts with Gd₂Zr₂O₇ to form gadolinium vanadate (GdVO₄) and monoclinic zirconia (m-ZrO₂) at 900 and 1000 °C in air. However, no chemical reaction product between Na₂SO₄ and Gd₂Zr₂O₇ is found at 900 and 1000 °C in air. V₂O₅ reacts with equal molar Na₂SO₄ to form sodium vanadate (NaVO₃) at 610 °C. In the temperature range of 700–1000 °C, Na₂SO₄ + V₂O₅ mixture reacts with Gd₂Zr₂O₇ in air to form the final reaction products of GdVO₄ and m-ZrO₂.     

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).     

Highly porous (La1/5Nd1/5Sm1/5Gd1/5Yb1/5)2Zr2O7 ceramics with ultra-low thermal conductivity

The high-entropy rare earth zirconate (La_1/5Nd_1/5Sm_1/5Gd_1/5Yb_1/5)₂Zr₂O₇ porous ceramics ((5RE_1/5)₂Zr₂O₇ PCs) were prepared using a foam-gel casting-freeze drying method combined with segmented calcination process. The results of SEM, TEM, and XRD analyses of the (5RE_1/5)₂Zr₂O₇ PCs indicated the formation of a defective fluorite crystal structure, with the rare earth elements homogeneously distributed. Meanwhile, the as-prepared (5RE_1/5)₂Zr₂O₇ PCs exhibited high porosity, low bulk density, low thermal conductivity, and relatively high compressive strength. Moreover, the high-temperature thermal conductivity of the samples was evaluated, and the results showed that the (5RE_1/5)₂Zr₂O₇ PCs maintain a thermal conductivity of 0.150 ± 0.002 W m^?1 K^?1 even at 1000 °C. The strategy used in this paper can be extended to the synthesis of other high-entropy porous ceramics with high porosity and low thermal conductivity, which is suitable for applications as thermal insulation materials.     

Structure and thermal properties of Al2O3-doped Gd3TaO7 as potential thermal barrier coating

In this paper, a series of solid solutions ceramics of (Al_xGd_1-x)₃TaO₇ (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) were synthesized via solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy analysis indicated that the crystal structure of (Al_xGd_1-x)₃TaO₇ ceramics is weberite in spite of the content of Al³⁺ is up to 5 mol.%. The thermal conductivities of (Al_xGd_1-x)₃TaO₇ ceramics range from 1.37 W?m^?1 K^?1 to 1.47 W?m^?1 K^?1 at 900 ℃, which is much lower than that of 7–8 YSZ (about 2.5 W?m^?1 K^?1). The thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) of (Al_xGd_1-x)₃TaO₇ ceramics vary in the range of 6–10 × 10^-6 K^-1 within the temperature range 100–1200 ℃, and the values are close to the TECs of 7–8 YSZ. Given the low thermal conductivity and high thermal expansion coefficients of (Al_xGd_1-x)₃TaO₇ ceramics, they have the potential to be the next generational thermal barrier coating materials.