Using Si₃N₄-Si rich as a protective layer for turbine blades

Blades of gas turbine engines in jet aircraft consist of Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ), however this metal has some flaws specifically when it experiences extreme heat. This causes infiltrations in the coating caused by sand and ash particles containing Calcia-Magnesia-Alumina-Silicate (CMAS). Research has been ongoing on the addition of a small layer of Silicon Nitride, Si3N4, to the YSZ in order to lessen the negative effects of these conditions. This article will depict results of how the infiltrations are affected when Silicon rich Si3N4, which consists of 50% Si and 50% Si3N4, is added instead of pure Si3N4. Time was also spent observing how the thermal growth oxide (TGO) was affected during different times and temperatures under the torch and oven.