Multilayer Coating Limits Interdiffusion in Superalloy Substrates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interdiffusion between nickel-based monocrystalline superalloy substrates and their coatings leads to premature degradation of alumina layers, reduced mechanical properties, and decreased lifespan in high-temperature applications like turbine blades, due to chemical composition differences and oxygen diffusion.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer coating comprising layers of aluminum, platinum, and silicon is applied to the substrate, with a silicon-doped alumina layer formed on top, which acts as an effective diffusion barrier to limit interdiffusion and oxidation, while maintaining mechanical properties and improving adhesion with a thermal barrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a diffusion barrier is inserted between the superalloy substrate and the sublayer to limit interdiffusion, then the lifespan of the alumina layer is improved, but the mechanical resistance in thermal fatigue is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifespan of alumina layerVSAvoidmechanical resistance in thermal fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The coating system is divided into multiple functional layers: a diffusion barrier layer (NiAl or NiPtAl) to prevent interdiffusion, and a separate protective coating layer (aluminum and platinum with alumina) to provide mechanical strength and thermal fatigue resistance. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The diffusion barrier layer acts as an intermediary between the superalloy substrate and the protective coating. It mediates the interaction by blocking harmful interdiffusion while maintaining thermal and mechanical compatibility, thus protecting both the substrate and the coating system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a diffusion barrier is used to slow down element diffusion, then adhesion between layers is improved, but crack initiation is accentuated during mechanical fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion between layersVSAvoidresistance to crack initiation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The composition parameters of the coating layers are optimized to achieve the right balance: the diffusion barrier contains controlled amounts of aluminum and platinum to provide both adhesion and crack resistance, while the protective coating has specific aluminum-platinum ratios that enhance ductility and fatigue resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The coating system uses composite material structures with multiple layers having different compositions and properties. The diffusion barrier layer provides adhesion, while the outer protective layers provide mechanical strength and crack resistance, creating a composite system that overcomes the limitations of single-material coatings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the sublayer is made as β-(Ni,Pt)Al phase to improve diffusion barrier properties, then interdiffusion is reduced, but the difference in composition with substrate increases harmful effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterdiffusion reductionVSAvoidoverall system performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the coating system have different compositions optimized for their specific functions: the diffusion barrier layer has a β-(Ni,Pt)Al phase for interdiffusion control, while the protective coating layers have aluminum-platinum compositions optimized for oxidation resistance and mechanical properties, creating local quality variations that enhance overall performance.

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 multilayer coating effectively limits interdiffusion and oxidation, enhancing the lifespan of the coated superalloy system and improving adhesion between the alumina layer and thermal barrier, thereby increasing the durability and performance of high-temperature components.

Implementation Method 1

interdiffusion of chemical components between a superalloy and its coating... could have harmful consequences on the lifespan of the alumina layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterdiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

forming a layer of alumina doped with silicon on said third type layer... acts as an effective diffusion barrier to limit interdiffusion and oxidation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion barrier: Diffusion Barrier

Implementation Method 3

oxidation of the grain boundaries of the alumina layer by diffusion of oxygen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 4

improving the adhesion between the oxide layer C and the thermal barrier D

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3532653B1Part comprising a nickel-based monocrystalline superalloy substrate and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 SAFRAN SA
  • EP3532653B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3532653B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3532653B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a part (1) comprising a nickel-based monocrystalline superalloy substrate (2). This method is characterised in that it comprises the steps that consist of: manufacturing a nickel-based monocrystalline superalloy substrate (2); forming a coating (3) on said substrate (2), comprising at least one layer (30) of a first type comprising aluminium and platinum, at least one layer (31) of a second type comprising aluminium, silicon, platinum and a layer (32) of a third type comprising nickel, aluminium, silicon and platinum, said layer (32) of the third type being the outermost layer of the stack of coating layers (3); and forming a layer (4) of silicon-doped alumina on said layer (32) of the third type.