Coated single crystal superalloys: processing, characterization, and modeling of protective coatings

Superalloy parts are typically employed under high-temperature conditions, often in hot gas paths of gas turbines for aviation or energy conversion. The thermal load of such parts is reduced by active back side cooling and additional application of thermal barrier coating systems. While the use of thermal barrier coating systems is industrial praxis, technological and scientific challenges are pushing the development of new coating systems and improved characterization and lifetime prediction methods. This chapter addresses some new developments which aim at allowing higher in-service temperatures and improving resistance to harsh environments. Further, innovation in characterization, testing, and modeling of protective high-temperature coatings is reviewed.