Measurements of the thermal gradient over EB-PVD thermal barrier coatings

Conventional two-layered structure thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), graded thermal barrier coatings (GTBCs) and graded thermal barrier coatings with micropores were prepared onto superalloy DZ22 tube by electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD). Thermal gradient of the TBCs was evaluated by embedding two thermal couples in the surfaces of the tube and the top coat at different surrounding temperatures with and without cooling gas flowing through the tube. The results showed that higher thermal gradient could be achieved for the GTBCs with micropores compared to the two-layered structure TBCs and GTBCs. However, after the samples were heated at 1050°C, the thermal gradient for the GTBCs with or without micropores decreased with the increase of heating time. On the other hand, the thermal gradient for the TBCs increased with the increase of heating time. Cross-section observations by scanning electron microscopy showed that the change in microstructure was the main reason for the change of the thermal gradient.