Energy Conters. Mgmr Vol 38. No, 10-13, pp. 1035-1 Pergamon All rights reserved. Printed in Great PI:S01%689049)001331 0196-8904/9751700+0.00 ADVANCED MATERIALS AND COATINGS FOR ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS GEORGE R ST PIERRE Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The Ohio State University, 2041 N. College Road Columbus, OH 43210-1178, U.S.A Abstract--Following an historical review of the development of high-temperature alloys for energy advances In single intermetallics, metal-matrix composites, and ceramic-matrix composites are discussed. Particular attention is directed at creep phenomena, fatigue properties, and oxidation resistance. Included within the discussions is the current status of carbon/carbon co aposites as potential high-temperature engineering materials and the development of coating systems for thermal barrier and oxidation protection. The of combustion gas compositions, i.e., oxidation potential, sulfur, halides, etc. are nt list of eligible advanced materials and coatings systems is presented and assessed failure mechanism and life-prediction parameters for some of the new classes of terials are elaborated with the view to achieving affordability and extended life with a high degree of reliability. Examples are drawn from a variety of energy conversion systems. c 997 Elsevier Science Ltd High temperature materials Oxidation Superalloys Carbon/carbon composites INTRODUCTION From the development of thermodynamic principles, it became clear that engine efficiency improves with increased operating temperature and lowered heat rejection temperature. In application rotating engines, this was referred to as the Brayton concept [1]. Gas turbines were used for electric power generation by 1904. The early twentieth century also saw the development of austenitic stainless steels and the 80/20", nickel-chromium alloy. Hence, engine performance improved with the development of high-temperature alloys. Around 1930, the coherent precipitation-strengthened gamma prime"alloys were discovered and calledsuperalloys".In the ensuing years gradual improvements in high-temperature alloys were achieved as illustrated in Fig. 1 from Ohnabe et al [2]. These gains in performance of high-temperature alloys resulted from: improved understanding of microstructure/property relationships; improved control of composition and microstructure during processing; and development of advanced methods for oxidation resistance and creep strength. Table 1 from Kim [3], illustrates the current status of superalloys and some titanium aluminide candidate materials. The creep properties of selected alloys are illustrated in Fig. 2 from In addition, recent attention has been focused on ceramic materials and carbon/carbon composites for high-temperature structural applications as illustrated in Fig. 3 where specific strength is shown as a function of temperature [2]. In still more advanced material developments, multilayered materials, ceramic fiber composites and nanostrured materials are under investigation. Although many critical properties must be carefully evaluated and controlled for all materials insure reliable performance, we may focus our attention on creep strength and oxidation resistance The densities and service temperature range for some selected materials is shown in Fig 4 from Dimiduk ef al. [4]. Included in Fig. 4 are some of the experimental niobium-based intermetallics with projected higher operating temperatures. again, it must be remembered that these materials have not been qualified through processing and performance tests. Sims [1] has related very
Pergamon Energy Convers. Mgmt Vol. 38, No. 10-13, pp. 1035-1041, 1997 © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd All rights reserved. Printed in Great Britain Pll: S0196-8904(96)00133-1 0196-8904/97 $17.00 + 0.00 ADVANCED MATERIALS AND COATINGS FOR ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS GEORGE R. ST. PIERRE Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, 2041 N. College Road, Columbus, OH 43210-1178, U.S.A. Abstract--Following an historical review of the development of high-temperature alloys for energy conversion systems including turbine engines, some of the current advances in single crystal materials. intermetallies, metal-matrix composites, and ceramic-matrix composites are discussed. Particular attention is directed at creep phenomena, fatigue properties, and oxidation resistance. Included within the discussions is the current status of carbon/carbon co" Lposites as potential high-temperature engineering materials and the development of coating systems for thermal barrier and oxidation protection. The specific influences of combustion gas compositions, i.e., oxidation potential, sulfur, halides, etc. are discussed. A current list of eligible advanced materials and coatings systems is presented and assessed. Finally, the critical failure mechanism and life-prediction parameters for some of the new classes of advanced structural materials are elaborated with the view to achieving affordability and extended life with a high degree of reliability. Examples are drawn from a variety of energy conversion systems. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. High temperature materials Oxidation Superalloys Carbon/carbon composites INTRODUCTION From the development of thermodynamic principles, it became clear that engine efficiency improves with increased operating temperature and lowered heat rejection temperature. In application to rotating engines, this was referred to as the Brayton concept [1]. Gas turbines were used for electric power generation by 1904. The early twentieth century also saw the development of austenitic stainless steels and the "80/20", nickel--chromium alloy. Hence, engine performance improved with the development of high-temperature alloys. Around 1930, the coherent precipitation-strengthened "gamma prime" alloys were discovered and called "superalloys". In the ensuing years gradual improvements in high-temperature alloys were achieved as illustrated in Fig. 1 from Ohnabe et al. [2]. These gains in performance of high-temperature alloys resulted from: improved understanding of microstructure/property relationships; improved control of composition and microstructure during processing; and development of advanced methods for oxidation resistance and creep strength. Table 1 from Kim [3], illustrates the current status of superalloys and some titanium aluminide candidate materials. The creep properties of selected alloys are illustrated in Fig. 2 from Dimiduk et al., [4]. In addition, recent attention has been focused on ceramic materials and carbon/carbon composites for high-temperature structural applications as illustrated in Fig. 3 where specific strength is shown as a function of temperature [2]. In still more advanced material developments, multilayered materials, ceramic fiber composites and nanostrured materials are under investigation. Although many critical properties must be carefully evaluated and controlled for all materials to insure reliable performance, we may focus our attention on creep strength and oxidation resistance as two principal criteria. CURRENT STATUS The densities and service temperature range for some selected materials is shown in Fig. 4 from Dimiduk et al. [4]. Included in Fig. 4 are some of the experimental niobium-based intermetaUics with projected higher operating temperatures. Again, it must be remembered that these materials have not been qualified through processing and performance tests. Sims [1] has related very 1035
PIERRE: ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS FUNCTIONALLY GRADIENT 1,700 CARBON-CARBON COMPOSTE CERAMIC MATREX COMPOSTTES 1,500 是 CFRAMICS THERMALBARRIER 1300 COATING 1.200 FIBER-REINFORCED SUPFR ALLOYS DS SUPER ALLOYS SUPERALLOYS EUTBCTT [CS 1000 900 ADIRECTIONALLY SOLIDIFIED 19501960197019801990200020102020 APROXIMATE TIME OF USE IN ENGINE Fig. I. The development of high-temperature materials for turbine blades from Ohnabe et al. [2] Table 1. Properties of titanium alloys, tit m Kim [3] Ti-Base TiAl-Base TiAl-Base 79-8.5 95-115 350600 Tensile strength(MPa) 480-1200 800-11 440-700 Room temp. ductility (% 750 750950 800-1090 Oxidation(c) 650 Deplex microstructures. tUlly- lamellar microstructures. #Uncoated. cOated/actively cooled Ni Dk All Sinde-Cryatal Alloy NbTICAl P=T(Kogt(h)+20]×103 m2呷四小m1m际 stress to rupture vs Larson-Millt
1036 ST. PIERRE: ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS 1,800 1.700 1,600 l 1,500 1,400 13o0 1,200 1,100 i 1,000 9130 8O0 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 APROXIMATE TIME OF USE IN ENGINE Fig. 1. The development of high-temperature materials for turbine blades from Ohnabe et al. [2]. Table 1. Properties of titanium alloys, titanium aluminides and superalloys from Kim [3] Property Ti-Base Ti3AI-Base TiAI-Base Superalloys Structure hcp/bcc D019 Lm0 fcc/Llz Density (g/cm 3) 4.5 4.1-4.7 3.7-3.9 7.9-8.5 Modulus (Gpa) 95-115 110-145 160-180 206 Yield strength (MPa) 380-1150 700-990 350-600 800-1200 Tensile strength (MPa) 480-1200 800-1140 440-700 1250-1450 Room temp. ductility (%) 10-25 2-10 1-4 3-25 High-temp. ductility (%/°C) 12-50 10-20/660 10-600/870 20-80/870 Room temp. fracture Toughness (MPa ~/m) 12-50 13-30 12-35 30-100 Creep limit (°C) 600 750 750"-950t 800-1090 Oxidation (°C) 600 650 800:~-950s3 870:~-1090~ *Deplex microstructmes, tFully-lamellar microstructures. ~/Uncoated. ~oated/actively cooled. I000 I0 .. NiDidk~ll~ ,Ni ,~l*43q, md Alloy \ ,, ,, .....':,, :.~::': 7:'.~ ' ......... 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 P = T('K)[log t (h) + 20 ]>( 10-3 Fig. 2. Creep properties of selected metallic and intermetallic alloys: stress to rupture vs Larson-Miller parameter from Dimiduk et al. [4]
ST PIERRE: ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS HT-PMC Ti-MMC TiAl Mi 1000 l500 Fig. 3. Specific strength as a function of temperature for selected materials from Ohnabe et al. [2] carefully the historical development of high-temperature alloys through the 1980s. The improved oxidation resistance resulted from, first, the replacement of Cr2O, by AlO, as the oxygen barrier layer and, second, from the enhanced structural features of the advanced Al2O, based coatings Further improvements in oxidation resistance might be possible through the use of amorphous Sio or specially designed mixed SiOz-A12O, systems because of the low oxygen permeability of Sio, however, compatibility issues are not easily resolved. Figure 5 shows oxygen permeability values for representative oxide systems that might be considered for specialized coating applications as compiled by Courtright [5]. Silicide coatings yield a major improvement in oxidation resistance in comparison with the pack aluminide coatings The high-temperature strength of carbon/carbon composites, Fig. 3, makes it an attractive candidate for special structural applications. However, the inherent reactivity in oxidizing environments makes it necessary to design a complex system of inhibitors, sealants, and coatings to provide it with reliable oxidation resistance at high temperatures [5]. Tables 2 and 3 provide Fe Ni, co. Base (Nb)Nb, Si,; Base NbTi·Al· Cr Base TiAl·Ba 00400600800100012001400 rvice Temperature(C) Fig. 4. Density and approximate temperature range for selected materials from Dimiduk et aL. [4]
ST. PIERRE: ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS 1037 O -•-PMC PMC 100 ._~MC ACC 50 "x~,~-MMC Ti CM_C~~'~Ceramic 0 ~Mi~ 500 1000 1500 Temperature ('C) Fig. 3. Specific strength as a function of temperature for selected materials from Ohnabe et al. [2]. carefully the historical development of high-temperature alloys through the 1980s. The improved oxidation resistance resulted from, first, the replacement of Cr203 by A1203 as the oxygen barrier layer and, second, from the enhanced structural features of the advanced A1203 based coatings. Further improvements in oxidation resistance might be possible through the use of amorphous SiO2 or specially designed mixed SiOz--AI203 systems because of the low oxygen permeability of SiO2; however, compatibility issues are not easily resolved. Figure 5 shows oxygen permeability values for representative oxide systems that might be considered for specialized coating applications as compiled by Courtright [5]. Silicide coatings yield a major improvement in oxidation resistance in comparison with the pack aluminide coatings. The high-temperature strength of carbon/carbon composites, Fig. 3, makes it an attractive candidate for special structural applications. However, the inherent reactivity in oxidizing environments makes it necessary to design a complex system of inhibitors, sealants, and coatings to provide it with reliable oxidation resistance at high temperatures [5]. Tables 2 and 3 provide 10 l d 4 Ti. Base AI. Base Fe, Ni, CO, Base (N'b)/Nb~Si?. Base Nb.Ti. AI. Cr. Base NiAI. Single Crystals Till .Base TiAI. Base 0 I I I I I I I 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 Service Temperature ('C) Fig. 4. Density and approximate temperature range for selected materials from Dimiduk et al. [4]
ST PIERRE: ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS 18001600140012001000 o2:10Y2O3 d ¥20 ALlO Caro 10 55055606.57.07580 10TK) Fig Table 2. Definitions of components of oxidation protection systems for carbon/carbon composites INHIBITORS Additives in the carbon/carbon fiber and matr SEALANTS Oxide mixtures that melt at low to intermediate temperatures that fill coating cracks during heating and cooling(borate and silicate COATINGS Barriers to outward carbon and inward oxygen permeation and solid-state diffusion(carbides, oxides, nitrides; intermetallics, etc. oVERCOA heat transfer and en Table 3. Important characteristics of barrier coatings for Good CTE match in transverse and in-plane directions Free of cracks and continuous porosity in sensitive temperature zones Resistant to oxidizing atmospheres by formation of carbon barrier layer and oxygen barrier layer 足 he of some selfcheating by formation of liqu叫 and solid phase sealants and inhibitor plugging the appropriate definitions and criteria. The oxygen barrier coatings, e.g. SiC, Si3N4, etc. all have thermal expansion coefficients differing markedly from that of C/C composites in the longitudinal direction as illustrated in Fig. 6. The expansion coefficient of C/C composites perpendicular to the graphite fibers is comparable to that of SiC; however, as shown in Fig. 6 is markedly less than
1038 ST. PIERRE: ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS 10 .7 10.8 O ~e~ 10.9 10.10 ~ 113"111-:l I ! i '°''I " ! 10.14 ! 10. Is = 4.5 Temperature ('C) 1800 1600 1400 1200 10(30 d~3~ CaZr03 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 104/T (K) 8.0 Fig. 5. Oxygen permeability through several oxides and noble metals [5]. Table 2. Definitions of components of oxidation protection systems for carbon/carbon composites INHIBITORS: SEALANTS: COA TINGS: OVERCOATS: Additives in the carbon/carbon fiber and matrix substrate to minimize loss of properties when the coating protection is lost (Si, AI, B, etc.). Oxide mixtures that melt at low to intermediate temperatures that fill coating cracks during heating and cooling (borate and silicate glasses, etc.). Barriers to outward carbon and inward oxygen permeation and solid-state diffusion (carbides, oxides, nitrides; intermetallics, etc.). Barriers to vaporization, heat transfer and erosion (zirconia, alumina, hafnia, etc.). Table 3. Important characteristics of barrier coatings for carbon/carbon composites Mechanical stability • Good CTE match in transverse and in-plane directions. • Good impact resistance. • Good bonding (intergrowth) to substrate. • Free of cracks and continuous porosity in sensitive temperature zones. Chemical stability • Compatible with substrate and overcoats. • Resistant to oxidizing atmospheres by formation of carbon barrier layer and oxygen barrier layer. • Resistant to vaporizing atmospheres at high temperatures. • Capable of some self-heating by formation of liquid and solid phase sealants and inhibitor plugging. the appropriate definitions and criteria. The oxygen barrier coatings, e.g. SiC, Si3N,, etc. all have thermal expansion coefficients differing markedly from that of C/C composites in the longitudinal direction as illustrated in Fig. 6. The expansion coefficient of C/C composites perpendicular to the graphite fibers is comparable to that of SiC; however, as shown in Fig. 6 is markedly less than
In-Plane direction 4 CVD-SiC 2 0 0100200300400500600 Fig. 6. The thermal expansion of CVD-SiC and carbon/carbon from Ohnabe et al. [2] SiC Coating Applied at Hig (>1600℃) In-Plane Sic i Coating T Temperature ↓↓↓ On cooling, cracks form On reheating, cracks may close. Fig. 7. The development of cracks in SiC coating upon cooling Surface Vi Cracks Vertical Section Fig. 8. The crack"patterm"in coating and the tendency for localized oxidative attack
~" 5 4 3 1 -1 0 In-Plane direction , I I i , , l 100 200 300 400 500 600 Temperature (°C) Fig. 6. The thermal expansion of CVD-SiC and carbon/carbon from Ohnabe et al. [2]. 1039 AQ 0 SiC Coating Applied at High Temperature (>1600"C) In-Plane ,,,~c I Coating I , Temperature Temperature k~N'q L'N\'N'[ ['x~x,,.Xl k~ ~-~ SiC On cooling, cracks form On reheating, cracks may close. (Sealants, Inhibitors) Fig. 7. The development of cracks in SiC coating upon cooling. Surface View i L T Vertical Section ~li = "Porosity" A Fig. 8. The crack "pattern" in coating and the tendency for localized oxidative attack
ST PIERRE: ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS Recession rate Fractional xposed are 0016002000240028003200 Fig. 9. Schematic illustration of critical temperature regime and eed for sealant that for SiC in the in-plane direction. with complex three-dimensional weaving in the preparation of C/C composites it might be possible to reduce these differences. However, in a structural component there would always be some regions in which the Si3N4 or SiC coating(conversion plus deposition) is developed on the in-plane direction of the C/C. The protective coatings are developed at high temperature, Fig. 7. H ence, upon cooling, the coating is put in tension and a pattern of cracks develops. If the crack pattern is tight and regular and the coating is not too thick, the coating may be stable against spalling. In such cases, the cracks may reversibly close upon reheating and reopen again upon cooling. At high temperature, the coating is protective; however, in the intermediate temperature region it is susceptible to localized oxidative attack as illustrated in Fig. 8. Analysis of this phenomenon [6] yields oxidation rate curves represented in Fig 9. Clearly, active inhibitors and sealants are necessary to protect C/C composites during heating and cooling through these temperature regimes. Otherwise severe burn out occurs at the base of the crack. Appropriate sealants that operate repeatedly and consistently in this manner have not been proven. However, it has been demonstrated that SiC or Si3, coated C/C composites have excellent oxidation resistance when held near 1600.C for extended time Functionally graded coatings hold some promise for protection of alloys; however, it is difficul to apply this concept to C/C composites Ceramic fiber materials are fascinating to consider particularly as we learn more about the nature of the fiber-matrix interface and"pull-out"phenomena. Present ceramic materials are still limited by the inherent strength creep properties illustrated in Fig. 3. Also, some of the most promising fibers are highly susceptible to oxidation Some interesting and difficult materials protection problems arise where exposure to halogens nd sulfur occurs, e.g. hot corrosion. Some of the newer coated systems show promise in this regard CONCLUDING COMMENTS Remarkable advances have been made in developing alloys, intermetallics and ceramic fiber materials during the twentieth century. Much lowered creep and oxidation rates are now achievable. These materials have enabled marked improvement in the efficiency and performance of turbines, jet engines and other energy conversion systems. Advances during the next decade will depend upon our ability to improve the microstructure and composition of our candidate systems and to achieve fuller understanding of the microstructure/property relationships. It will be necessary to demonstrate that our advanced material systems can exhibit fully reliable performance under the broad spectrum of conditions arising in energy conversion syste
1040 ST. PIERRE: ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS • 0.010 ~R 0.008 o.oo6 ecession Rate 0 " ! Temperature (F) Fig. 9. Schematic illustration of critical temperature regime and the need for sealants. that for SiC in the in-plane direction. With complex three-dimensional weaving in the preparation of C/C composites it might be possible to reduce these differences. However, in a structural component there would always be some regions in which the Si3N4 or SiC coating (conversion plus deposition) is developed on the in-plane direction of the C/C. The protective coatings are developed at high temperature, Fig. 7. Hence, upon cooling, the coating is put in tension and a pattern of cracks develops. If the crack pattern is tight and regular and the coating is not too thick, the coating may be stable against spalling. In such cases, the cracks may reversibly close upon reheating and reopen again upon cooling. At high temperature, the coating is protective; however, in the intermediate temperature region it is susceptible to localized oxidative attack as illustrated in Fig. 8. Analysis of this phenomenon [6] yields oxidation rate curves represented in Fig. 9. Clearly, active inhibitors and sealants are necessary to protect C/C composites during heating and cooling through these temperature regimes. Otherwise severe burn out occurs at the base of the crack. Appropriate sealants that operate repeatedly and consistently in this manner have not been proven. However, it has been demonstrated that SiC or Si3N4 coated C/C composites have excellent oxidation resistance when held near 1600°C for extended time. Functionally graded coatings hold some promise for protection of alloys; however, it is difficult to apply this concept to C/C composites. Ceramic fiber materials are fascinating to consider particularly as we learn more about the nature of the fiber-matrix interface and "pull-out" phenomena. Present ceramic materials are still limited by the inherent strength/creep properties illustrated in Fig. 3. Also, some of the most promising fibers are highly susceptible to oxidation. Some interesting and difficult materials protection problems arise where exposure to halogens and sulfur occurs, e.g. hot corrosion. Some of the newer coated systems show promise in this regard. CONCLUDING COMMENTS Remarkable advances have been made in developing alloys, intermetallics and ceramic fiber materials during the twentieth century. Much lowered creep and oxidation rates are now achievable. These materials have enabled marked improvement in the efficiency and performance of turbines, jet engines and other energy conversion systems. Advances during the next decade will depend upon our ability to improve the microstructure and composition of our candidate systems and to achieve fuller understanding of the microstructure/property relationships. It will be necessary to demonstrate that our advanced material systems can exhibit fully reliable performance under the broad spectrum of conditions arising in energy conversion systems
ST PIERRE: ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS 1041 REFERENCE 1. Sims, C. T, Superalloys 1984 (eds Gell, M. et al. ) pp 399419. The Metallurgical Society of AIME, Warrendale, PA, 2. Ohnabe, H, Wasaki, S and Imamura R, Proceedings of the Third international Symposium on Ultra-high Temperature 5mwm3P11B0mDWm如【a,MP16 k, D. M, Mendiratta, M. G. and Subramanian, P. R, Structural Intermetallics(ed. R. Darolia et al pp. 619-630. The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society, 1993 5. St Pierre, G.R., Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Ultra-high Temperature Materials, Tajimi, 1993, pp22-32 6. Holcomb, G. R. and St. Pierre, G.R., Oxidation of Metals, 1993, 40, 109-118
ST. PIERRE: ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS 1041 REFERENCES 1. Sims, C. T., Superalloys 1984 (eds G¢II, M. et al.), pp. 399-419. The Metallurgical Society of AIME, Warrendale, PA, 1984. 2. Ohnabe, H., Wasaki, S. and Imamura R., Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Ultra-high Temperature Materials, Tajimi, 1993, pp.112-126. Based on D. W. Petraset et al., Metal Progress, 1986. 3. Kim, Y-W., JOM, 1994, 46(7), 30-40. 4. Dimiduk, D. M., Mendiratta, M. G. and Subramanian, P. R., Structural Intermetallics (ed. R. Darolia et al.), pp. 619-630. The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society, 1993. 5. St. Pierre, G. R., Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Ultra-high Temperature Materials, Tajimi, 1993, pp.22-32. 6. Holccomb, G. R. and St. Pierre, G. R., Oxidation of Metals, 1993, 40, 109-118