Mechanical properties and thermal shock in thin ZrO2-Y2O3-Al2O3 films obtained by the sol-gel method

Thin multilayer coatings of ZrO2-Y2O3-Al2O3 were prepared using the sol-gel method and dip-coating technique in order to advance in the study of what influence the incorporation of Al2O3 has on films of Y2O3-doped ZrO2, investigating its role in the synthesis of the solutions and in the characteristics and properties of the coatings. After the characterization of the solutions used in the process, the microstructure of the films was studied and their mechanical behaviour and resistance to thermal shock were determined so as to optimize the characteristics and functionality of these coatings. With increased alumina content, 3YSZ-Al2O3 (20 mol%), the cubic phase of the zirconia disappeared completely at the sintering temperature used (700 degrees C), resulting in the tetragonal phase with Al in solution. There was also a decrease in the coatings' hardness and Young's modulus, and an increase in toughness and resistance to thermal shock. These results allow guidelines to be established for the design of multilayer structures that are, tougher, more resistant, and have improved surface properties.