High-temperature materials for power generation in gas turbines

The chapter describes the different aspects of ceramic materials in gas turbines. The operation conditions such as high-pressure ratio and high temperatures result in improved efficiencies and make necessary the use of materials with high-temperature capability. In addition to the often used single-crystal alloys ceramic materials are discussed. Different bulk ceramics, for example, based on silicon nitride are described. A special focus is laid on ceramic matric composites, both oxide and nonoxide-based materials, which are of increasing interest for gas-turbine applications. In addition to the structural applications ceramics are also often used as coating material. Standard coating processes for protective coatings in gas turbines are described. Furthermore, thermal barrier coatings, a widely used coating system in gas turbines, and environmental barrier coatings as protective coatings for ceramic matrix composites are discussed in detail. Finally, also degradation and failure modes for the different high-temperature coating systems are the topics of this chapter.