EBC protection of SiC/SiC composites in the gas turbine combustion environment

Silicon carbide fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites (SiC/SiC) are attractive for use in gas turbine engines as combustor liner materials, in part, because the temperature capability allows for reduced cooling. This enables the engine to operate more efficiently and to meet very stringent emission goals for NO_x and CO. It has been shown, however, that SiC/SiC and other silica formers can degrade with time in the high steam environment of the gas turbine combustor due to accelerated oxidation and subsequent volatilization of the silica due to reaction with high pressure water (ref.s 1 & 2). As a result, an environmental barrier coating (EBC) is required in conjunction with the SiC composite in order to meet long life goals. Under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored Solar Turbines Incorporated Ceramic Stationary Gas Turbine (CSGT) engine program (ref. 3), EBC systems developed under the HSCT EPM program (NASA contract NAS3-23685) were applied to both SiC/SiC composite coupons and SiC/SiC combustion liners which were then evaluated in long term laboratory testing and in ground based turbine power generation, respectively. This paper discusses the application of the EBC's to SiC/SiC composites and the results from laboratory and engine test evaluations.