The microstructures of plasma-sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings are complex, contributing to challenges in establishing microstructure-thermal conductivity relationships. Furthermore, the dynamic evolution of microstructure and properties during service offers a significant challenge in defining design strategies and extended coating performance. In this paper, the relationship between microstructure and thermal conductivity is investigated for three sets of plasma-sprayed YSZ coating systems prepared using different morphology powders, different particle size distributions, and controlled modification of particle states through plasma torch parameters. Both ambient and temperature-dependent thermal conductivity were conducted in the as-sprayed and thermally aged states. The results suggest that a range of thermal conductivities can be achieved from the coatings, offering potential for microstructural tailoring for desired performance. The results also demonstrate that different as-deposited microstructures display varying propensity for sintering and these attributes need to be considered in the design and manufacturing cycle. This expansive study of a range of coatings has also allowed synthesis of the results through thermal conductivity-porosity maps and has allowed elucidation of the contributing microstructural components for both the ambient and high-temperature thermal conductivity. Considering that the operating thermal transport mechanisms are different at these two temperature extremes, such mapping strategies are of value to both science and technology.

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The concept of Ôprocess mapsÕ has been utilized to study the fundamentals of process-structure-property relationships in high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) sprayed coatings. Ni-20%Cr was chosen as a representative material for metallic alloys. In this paper, integrated experiments including diagnostic studies, splat collection, coating deposition, and property characterization were carried out in an effort to investigate the effects of fuel gas chemistry (fuel/oxygen ratio), total gas flow, and energy input on particle states: particle temperature (T) and velocity (V), coating formation dynamics, and properties. Coatings were deposited on an in situ curvature sensor to study residual stress evolution. The results were reconciled within the framework of process maps linking torch parameters with particle states (1st order map) and relating particle state with deposit properties (2nd order map). A strong influence of particle velocity on induced compressive stresses through peening effect is discussed. The complete tracking of the coating buildup history including particle state, residual stress evolution and deposition temperature, in addition to single splat analysis, allows the interpretation of resultant coating microstructures and properties and enables coating design with desired properties.

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