Thermal shock resistance of a novel (Gd1/6Tb1/6Dy1/6Tm1/6Yb1/6Lu1/6)2Si2O7 environmental barrier coating.

Multicomponent rare earth (RE) disilicates have been recognized as promising candidates for environmental barrier coatings (EBCs). In this work, a novel EBC system with (Gd1/6Tb1/6Dy1/6Tm1/6Yb1/6Lu1/6)2Si2O7 as top coat and Si as bond coat was deposited on SiC‐based substrates by atmospheric plasma spraying technology and subjected to 200 thermal shock cycles at 1350°C. The composition and microstructure evolution in the coating during thermal cycling were investigated using x‐ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the as‐prepared EBC remains dense and integrated, and no obvious spalling or penetrating cracks could be observed in the coating after 200 thermal shock cycles. Furthermore, the average thickness of thermal growth oxide layer between (6RE1/6)2Si2O7 top coat and Si bond coat is 0.71 ± 0.17 µm and 0.98 ± 0.23 µm before and after the thermal cycling, respectively, indicating the excellent thermal shock resistance of (6RE1/6)2Si2O7 EBC. The present study presents a novel EBC with excellent thermal shock ability and is expected to contribute to the development of EBC for advanced SiCf/SiC ceramic matrix composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]