Investigation on the microstructure and creep behavior of laser remelted thermal barrier coating

Laser surface modification of the thermal barrier coating was investigated with the aim of increasing creep resistance. Yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) with a CoNiCrAlY bond coat was deposited by air plasma spraying on equiaxed Ti–6Al–4V substrates. Analysis was carried out comparing uncoated samples with as-sprayed and laser remelted ones. A cross section and detailed characterization of coating surface was carried out by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Mechanical properties in terms of microhardness and creep resistance were evaluated. Constant load creep tests were conducted at stress levels of 125 to 319 MPa at 500 °C and 600 °C. A dense ceramic layer of thickness about 40 μm was formed by laser remelted treatment and its microhardness surface was higher than the other layers. As-sprayed YSZ had higher creep resistance than other samples. Analysis of creep behavior showed that the steady-state creep rate of laser remelted samples had about 42% reduction in 600 °C condition, evidencing a higher creep resistance than uncoated material. SEM images revealed a ductile fracture with presence of equiaxed dimples. •A dense ceramic layer was formed by laser remelted treatment.•The laser remelted samples had higher creep resistance than uncoated ones.•Dislocation climb is the dominant mechanism in all cases.•The fracture surface shows a ductile failure, consisting of equiaxed dimples.