CMAS-Resistant Coating for Ceramic-Matrix Composites

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-temperature coatings for ceramic-matrix composites are susceptible to CMAS attack, leading to corrosion and degradation, especially when exposed to high-temperature environments containing dust.

Innovation Solution

A coating composition represented by the formula a(ReO1.5)b(AlO1.5)c(TrO2) is applied as a top layer, where a, b, and c satisfy specific ratios, and Re includes rare earth elements like yttria, while Tr is Hf or Zr, forming chemical compounds that react with CMAS to create a protective solid phase.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If alumina is used as a top coating to react with molten CMAS and raise the melting point, then the coating provides initial protection against CMAS attack, but the coating material is consumed in the reaction, reducing long-term protection ability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection ability against CMAS attackVSAvoidlong-term protection ability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the top coating by incorporating rare-earth oxides (Y2O3, Lu2O3) in specific proportions (30-70 wt%) combined with alumina (20-50 wt%) and transition metal oxides (HfO2, ZrO2) (10-40 wt%). This compositional parameter change creates a coating that reacts with CMAS to form a stable solid solution with elevated melting point, providing both initial reactivity and long-term stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite coating material consisting of multiple oxide components (rare-earth oxides, alumina, and transition metal oxides) that work synergistically. The rare-earth oxides provide high melting point and stability, alumina contributes to CMAS reactivity and solid solution formation, while transition metal oxides enhance the overall structural stability and resistance to CMAS penetration, achieving both immediate protection and long-term durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the coating reacts with CMAS to form a protective layer, then corrosion resistance is improved, but the coating material is consumed in the process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidcoating material consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful CMAS (which would otherwise cause corrosion) into a beneficial protective solid solution layer. By designing the coating composition to react with CMAS and form a stable solid solution with elevated melting point, the harmful molten CMAS is transformed into a protective barrier that prevents further corrosion and maintains coating integrity at high temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The coating acts as an intermediary between the substrate and the harmful CMAS environment. The rare-earth oxide-based coating composition mediates the interaction by reacting with CMAS to form a stable solid solution layer that serves as a protective barrier, preventing direct contact between the corrosive CMAS and the underlying substrate, thus reducing material consumption and extending service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the coating is designed to raise the melting point of CMAS through chemical reaction, then liquid phase formation is reduced, but the coating composition must be precisely controlled to achieve stable solid solution formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolid solution stabilityVSAvoidcomposition control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention specifies precise compositional parameters for the coating: rare-earth oxides (Y2O3, Lu2O3) at 30-70 wt%, alumina at 20-50 wt%, and transition metal oxides (HfO2, ZrO2) at 10-40 wt%. These parameter ranges are optimized to ensure the formation of a stable solid solution with CMAS that has an elevated melting point, balancing reactivity with long-term stability while providing clear manufacturing guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different oxide components with specific functions at different compositional levels. Rare-earth oxides provide the primary high-temperature stability and solid solution formation, alumina contributes to CMAS reactivity and local structural stability, while transition metal oxides provide localized enhancement of melting point and resistance to CMAS penetration. This local quality differentiation within the composite coating enables precise control over the solid solution formation and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The coating effectively protects ceramic-matrix composites against high-temperature environments and CMAS attack, providing long-term resistance by forming a stable solid phase that prevents liquid phase intrusion and corrosion.

Implementation Method 1

react with molten CMAS to form a stable solid phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

raise the melting point of CMAS

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting point elevation: Melting

Implementation Method 3

aluminum in the substance forms one or more chemical compounds selected from Re 4 Al 2 O 9, ReAlO 3 and Re 3 Al 5 O 12

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4559888A1Sand and dust resistant film
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 IHI CORP
  • EP4559888A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4559888A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP4559888A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A coating for protecting a ceramic-matrix composite against a high-temperature environment including dust is provided with a top layer of a substance represented by a formula a(ReO1.5)b(AlO1.5)c(TrO2) as an average composition at least on a face exposed to the environment, wherein a, b and c satisfy 1>a≥0.5, b>0 and c=1-(a+b), Re is one or more selected from rare earth elements, and Tr is Hf or Zr.