Tests of NASA ceramic thermal barrier coating for gas turbine engines

A two-layer thermal barrier coating system with a bond coating of nickel-chromium-aluminum-yttrium (Ni-16Cr-6Al-0.6Y, in wt.%) and a ceramic coating of yttria-stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂12Y₂O₃, in wt.%) was tested for corrosion protection, thermal protection and durability. Full-scale gas turbine engine tests demonstrated that this coating eliminated burning, melting and warping of uncoated parts. During cyclic corrosion resistance tests made in marine diesel fuel products of combustion in a burner rig, the ceramic cracked on some specimens. However, metallographic examination showed no base metal deterioration.