Researchers identify promising ceramic materials for metal coatings to boost gas turbine efficiency

Skoltech (Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Russia) researchers have identified promising ceramic materials for metal coatings that would boost gas turbine efficiency.

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If further experimental tests prove successful, the coatings will enable power plants to produce more electricity and jet planes to consume less fuel. Meanwhile, with the material discovery technique tried and tested, the researchers intend to continue the search and find more candidates with perhaps even better properties, notes a press communique.

Thermal barrier coatings are used to protect turbine blades at power plants and in jet engines. The blades themselves are made of nickelbased superalloys. These offer a great combination of high-temperature strength, toughness, and resistance to degradation. However, as things get really hot, the superalloy softens and may even melt. Protective coatings make it possible to operate turbines at higher temperatures without compromising their integrity. And in this case, higher temperature means greater efficiency.