Thermal transport properties of columnar structured zirconia coatings deposited by suspension plasma spraying method

The paper describes the production of columnar-like ceramic coatings by suspension plasma spray. The process parameters leading to obtain such microstructure start to be understood and the properties of these coatings must be analyzed carefully.

In this study the thermal transport properties of zirconia coatings characterized by column-like structure were analyzed. Two kind of submicrometric powders were used to produce coatings:  yttria and ceria stabilized zirconia (YCSZ) and yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The spray process was realized with the use of three different plasma spray torches: (i) SG-100; (ii) Triplex; and (iii) Axial III. The parameters were optimized for each plasma torch separately to obtain characteristic columns in the microstructure. The microstructure of coatings was then analyzed using light and electron microscopy. The thermal properties like specific heat and thermal dilatation were measured. Finally the collected data were used to find out conductivity up to 1000°C.