Interactions of Na₂SO₄ and yttrium-silicate environmental barrier coatings at 825°C

Yttrium-silicates (Y₂Si₂O₇ and Y₂SiO₅) are candidate environmental barrier coating (EBC) materials for silicon carbide ceramic matrix composites (SiC-CMCs). These materials’ high-temperature, high-velocity steam, and siliceous debris resistance are well studied. However, Na₂SO₄-induced hot corrosion mechanisms are less understood. Free-standing atmospheric plasma sprayed Y₂Si₂O₇ and Y₂SiO₅ coupons were exposed to 2.5 mg/cm² of Na₂SO₄ at 825°C in 0.1% SO₂-O₂ (g). Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry were used to identify a previously unknown damage mechanism. Water-soluble Y and Na-Y sulfates and oxysulfates formed in reaction with Na₂SO₄, causing significant damage to the yttrium-silicate EBCs materials.