Synthesis of multi-hierarchical structured yttria-stabilized zirconia powders and their enhanced thermophysical properties

•Multi-hierarchical structured YSZ powders were successfully prepared.•The prepared YSZ powders had a low thermal conductivity (0.63–1.27 W m−1 K−1).•Improved high-temperature stability had been achieved for the prepared YSZ powders.•The influence of the morphology on their thermophysical properties was explored.

Multi-hierarchical structured yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powders were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal-calcination process. The morphology, crystallinity, and microstructure of the products were characterized by SEM, XRD, TEM, and BET. A possible formation mechanism of the unique structure formed during hydrothermal processing was also investigated. The measured thermophysical results indicated that the prepared YSZ powders had a low thermal conductivity (0.63–1.27 W m−1 K−1), good short-term high-temperature stability up to 1300 °C. The influence of the morphology and microstructure on their thermophysical properties was briefly discussed. The unique multi-hierarchical structure makes the prepared YSZ powders candidates for use in enhanced applications involving thermal barrier coatings.

Graphical abstractThere are many tiny pores and grain boundaries in the multi-hierarchical structured yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powders,which greatly decrease the thermal conductivities of the YSZ powders.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide