A statistical representation of bond coating oxidation under environmental barrier coatings

Abstract Environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) protect SiC‐based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in turbine hot sections from high‐temperature volatilization in combustion gases. The formation of a SiO 2 thermally grown oxide (TGO) is expected under the EBC after long‐term operation. The oxidation resistance of the EBC is understood as a life‐limiting factor for the CMC, and this work predicts long‐term oxidation behavior under EBCs through a simple statistical approach. Specimens were exposed to 1350°C isothermal conditions for 100‐h thermal cycles in flowing steam for up to 1000 h. The EBC morphology, SiO 2 thickness, and SiO 2 cracking behavior were assessed. Using thousands of SiO 2 thickness measurements across many millimeters of the interface, a realistic representation of the entire TGO was captured via a lognormal distribution. The lognormal fit parameters were extrapolated out to 25 000 h to assess the degree of SiO 2 growth, the spread of SiO 2 thicknesses related to the rough oxidizing interface, and percentages of the intermediate bond coating consumed. Local interfacial defects from the coating deposition process are identified as local failure points for EBC—CMC systems.