Preparation and thermophysical properties of plasma sprayed lanthanum zirconate

Lanthanum Zirconate (LZ) has been found as prosperous thermal barrier coating (TBCs) material for its high melting point, phase stability and lower thermal conductivity. LZ has been synthesized by planetary ball milling method using a mixture of La2O3 and ZrO2 powders in a 1:2 mol ratio for 24 h. The synthesized LZ was deposited on SS substrate by a DC non-transferred atmospheric plasma spray (APS) system. X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopic investigations revealed the formation of a single phase formation with the occurrence of pores and the formation of lamella particles. Thermal conductivity of LZ has been found in the range 0.46-0.6 W m−1 K−1 at 24 kW which was much lower than that shown by YSZ (yttria stabilized zirconia).