A comparison of microstructure and of thermal transport properties of yttria and ceria stabilized zirconia coatings deposited by suspension plasma spraying

Abstract : The single cathode plasma torch SG-100 was used to spray suspension prepared with the use of two kinds of commercial powders ZrO2+8 wt. % Y2O3 (8YSZ) and ZrO2 + 24 wt.% CeO2 + 2.5 wt.% Y2O3 (24CeYSZ). The suspensions were formulated using finely milled solid phase, water and ethanol. The operational spray parameters being the same for each powder were modified by changing: (i) spray distance; and (ii) torch scan linear speed. The coatings microstructures were analyzed with the use of optical and scanning electron microscopes as well as by X-ray diffraction. Their porosities were found with help of the image analysis of metallographically prepared cross-sections. Thermal diffusivity was measured with the use of commercial system LFA 447 NanoFlash® working at the temperatures limited to 300°C. The measurements were made with the use of the coatings sprayed on the steel substrate and a 2-layers numerical model was applied to determine thermal diffusity of the coatings. The obtained data were used to calculate thermal conductivity of stabilized zirconia coatings.