Comprehensive microstructural characterization and predictive property modeling of plasma-sprayed zirconia coatings

Quantitative microstructure characterization to better understand processing-microstructure-property correlations is of considerable interest in plasma sprayed coating research. This paper quantifies, by means of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) data, microstructure (porosity, opening dimensions, orientation and morphologies) in plasma sprayed partially-stabilized zirconia (PSZ) coatings, primarily used as thermal barrier coatings. We report on the investigation of the influence of feedstock characteristics on microstructure and establish its influence on the resultant thermal and mechanical properties. The microstructural parameters determined by SANS studies are then assembled into a preliminary model to develop a predictive capability for estimating the properties of these coatings. Thermal conductivity and elastic modulus were predicted using finite element analysis and ultimately compared to experimental values.  2003 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.