Laser Ablation Damage Behavior of ZrO2 Ceramic Coatings under Different Laser Parameters

CAO Xin; LIU Xin; ZHENG Xinbin; HONG Shaozun; CHEN Jian; CAI Zhenbing; HE Lei; JIA Xiaodong; TIAN Renhui

doi:10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2026.07.017

PDF(43990 KB)

Surface Technology ›› 2026, Vol. 55 ›› Issue (7) : 219-228. DOI: 10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2026.07.017

Equipment Surface Engineering

Laser Ablation Damage Behavior of ZrO₂ Ceramic Coatings under Different Laser Parameters

CAO Xin¹, LIU Xin², ZHENG Xinbin³, HONG Shaozun¹, CHEN Jian³, CAI Zhenbing³, HE Lei¹, JIA Xiaodong¹, TIAN Renhui^1,*

Author information +

History +

Abstract

ZrO₂ ceramic coatings have emerged as a primary choice for laser protection due to their exceptional thermal stability, high melting point, low thermal conductivity, and phase transformation toughening characteristics. The unique high-temperature phase behavior of ZrO₂ not only facilitates significant heat absorption during laser irradiation but also mitigates thermal stress and suppresses crack propagation through volume changes associated with its phase transformations. Furthermore, the relatively good thermal expansion match between ZrO₂ coatings and metallic substrates enhances the reliability of the protective structure by reducing interfacial thermal stresses. Focusing on ZrO₂ ceramic coatings, the work aims to investigate their ablation resistance and protective performance under various laser parameters. The ZrO₂ ceramic coating was fabricated with the atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) technique. The substrate material was an aluminum alloy disk with a diameter of 80 mm and a thickness of 5 mm. Prior to coating deposition, the aluminum alloy substrate underwent surface preparation involving blasting with sand (e.g., white corundum) to enhance roughness and adhesion, followed by ultrasonic cleaning in absolute ethanol and drying. Laser ablation experiments were conducted through a self-built experimental platform equipped with a continuous-wave laser source. The material was ablated under different laser powers (2, 5, 8 kW) and spot diameters (3, 4.5, 6 cm), systematically evaluating the protective performance of the ZrO₂ coating under these parameters. For specific parameter sets, a thermocouple was positioned at the center of the sample's back surface to monitor the temperature evolution in real time. Post-irradiation analysis involved comprehensive characterization of the coatings. Spectral reflectivity was measured with a spectrophotometer, phase structure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and damage morphology before and after ablation was examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy. These techniques contributed to understanding the coating's reflective properties, phase stability under thermal load, and failure mechanisms. Results indicated that the ZrO₂ coating exhibited a high reflectivity (R) of approximately 97%, with a laser coupling coefficient (ε) of 3%. This represented a 79% reduction compared to the coupling coefficient of the aluminum alloy substrate (14%). Phase analysis revealed that the crystal structure of the ZrO₂ coating transitioned from the tetragonal phase to the cubic phase following laser ablation. The extent of coating damage intensified with the increasing laser power and the decreasing spot diameter. After laser ablation, the affected area of the ZrO₂ coating was divided into three distinct zones: the unaffected zone, the slightly affected zone, and the highly affected zone. The slightly affected zone maintained a relatively smooth surface with clearly defined and well-connected grain boundaries. In contrast, the highly affected zone was characterized by the presence of extensive cracks and a mixture of fully melted and partially melted regions. When subjected to laser irradiation, the central region of the ZrO₂ ceramic reached its melting point and formed a molten pool. The material subsequently entered both molten and vaporized states, leading to material splashing and ablation damage. Under continuous laser action, plasma was induced, while the bottom of the molten pool gradually transformed into a recast layer. After the laser irradiation ceased, thermal stress generated during the cooling of the molten pool resulted in the formation of microcracks on the surface of the ablation crater.

Key words

ZrO₂ coating / aluminum alloy substrate / plasma spraying / laser ablation / damage mechanism

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations

CAO Xin, LIU Xin, ZHENG Xinbin, HONG Shaozun, CHEN Jian, CAI Zhenbing, HE Lei, JIA Xiaodong, TIAN Renhui. Laser Ablation Damage Behavior of ZrO₂ Ceramic Coatings under Different Laser Parameters[J]. Surface Technology. 2026, 55(7): 219-228

References

[1] 贺敏波, 任伟艳, 杨雨川, 等. 掺杂相对ZrB₂陶瓷涂层抗激光烧蚀性能的影响[J]. 应用光学, 2023, 44(6): 1177-1184.
HE M B, REN W Y, YANG Y C, et al.Effect of Doping Phase on Laser Ablation Resistance of ZrB₂ Ceramic Coatings[J]. Journal of Applied Optics, 2023, 44(6): 1177-1184.
[2] 张磊, 马壮, 杨鹏翎, 等. 热障涂层用于激光防护面板理论与实验研究[J]. 中国激光, 2014, 41(S1): s106005.
ZHANG L, MA Z, YANG P L, et al.Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Thermal Barrier Coatings for Laser Proof[J]. Chinese Journal of Lasers, 2014, 41(S1): s106005.
[3] 蔡佳, 赵芳霞, 范栋, 等. 聚碳硅烷基复合涂层PCS裂解行为及其抗激光烧蚀性能[J]. 无机材料学报, 2023, 38(11): 1271-1280.
CAI J, ZHAO F X, FAN D, et al.Pyrolysis Behavior and Laser Ablation Resistance of PCS in Polycarbosilane Composite Coatings[J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2023, 38(11): 1271-1280.
[4] XU W Y, GAO L H, MA C, et al.Design and Preparation of Composite Coatings with Increased Reflectivity under High-Energy Continuous Wave Laser Ablation[J]. Ceramics International, 2020, 46(15): 23457-23462.
[5] VLASOVA M, KAKAZEY M, COETO S, et al.Laser Synthesis of Al₂TiO₅ and Y₃Al₅O₁₂ Ceramics from Powder Mixtures Al₂O₃-TiO₂ and Al₂O₃-Y₂O₃[J]. Science of Sintering, 2012, 44(1): 17-24.
[6] VLASOVA M, MARQÚEZ AGUILAR P A, KAKAZEY M, et al. Modification of a SiC-Cr₅Si₃ Ceramic Surface by Laser Irradiation[J]. Ceramics International, 2007, 33(3): 433-437.
[7] VLASOVA M, MARQUEZ AGUILAR P A, RESÉNDIZ- GONZÁLEZ M C, et al. Laser Irradiation of α-SiC Ceramics[J]. Ceramics International, 2009, 35(6): 2503-2508.
[8] NEDYALKOV N, DIKOVSKA A, ALEKSANDROV L, et al.Nanosecond Laser Ablation of AlN Ceramic[J]. Applied Physics A, 2021, 127(12): 951.
[9] AGUILAR M, VLASOVA M, RESÉNDIZ-GONZÁLEZ M C, et al. Laser Irradiation of SiC-MoSi₂ Composite Ceramics[J]. Science of Sintering, 2008, 40(3): 271-281.
[10] FENG S J, SUN D B, WANG W R, et al.Study on the Ablation Resistance of Plasma Sprayed La₂(Zr_0·7Ce_0.3)₂O₇/YSZ and La_1.9Ca_0.1(Zr_0.7Ce_0.3)_1.9Cr_0.1O_6.9/YSZ Thermal Protection Coatings[J]. Ceramics International, 2021, 47(20): 29355-29362.
[11] DANG X L, YIN X W, FAN X M, et al.Microstructural Evolution of Carbon Fiber Reinforced SiC-Based Matrix Composites during Laser Ablation Process[J]. Journal of Materials Science & Technology, 2019, 35(12): 2919-2925.
[12] CHEN J X, QIN J B, LU L H, et al.Study on Laser- Stricken Damage to Alumina Ceramic Layer of Different Surface Roughness[J]. Results in Physics, 2019, 15: 102723.
[13] 张巍. 氧化锆基陶瓷热障涂层的研究进展[J]. 航空工程进展, 2018, 9(4): 464-482.
ZHANG W.Progress on Zirconia-Based Ceramics for Thermal Barrier Coatings[J]. Advances in Aeronautical Science and Engineering, 2018, 9(4): 464-482.
[14] 李雅娣, 吴平, 马喜梅, 等. 氧化锆涂层在激光防护中的应用研究[J]. 表面技术, 2008, 37(3): 71-74.
LI Y D, WU P, MA X M, et al.Study on Application of Zirconia Coating in Laser Protection[J]. Surface Technology, 2008, 37(3): 71-74.
[15] 吴硕, 赵远涛, 李文戈, 等. 氧化锆基双陶瓷层热障涂层表层材料研究进展[J]. 表面技术, 2020, 49(9): 101-108.
WU S, ZHAO Y T, LI W G, et al.Research Progress on Top Coating Materials of Thermal Barrier Coatings with Double-Ceramic-Layer Based on Zirconia[J]. Surface Technology, 2020, 49(9): 101-108.
[16] 姬梅梅, 朱时珍, 马壮. 航空航天用金属表面热防护涂层的研究进展[J]. 表面技术, 2021, 50(1): 253-266.
JI M M, ZHU S Z, MA Z.Advances in the Research of Thermal Protective Coatings on Aerospace Metal Surface[J]. Surface Technology, 2021, 50(1): 253-266.
[17] SUN W W, WANG X L, SUN X W, et al.Microstructure and Properties of Al₂O₃-ZrO₂-Y₂O₃ Coatings during High Temperature and Thermal Shock Resistance[J]. Applied Physics A, 2020, 126(8): 639.
[18] LI Q N, HAO X D, GUI Y X, et al.Controlled Sintering and Phase Transformation of Yttria-Doped Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal Material[J]. Ceramics International, 2021, 47(19): 27188-27194.
[19] 张越, 杨永强, 吴世彪, 等. 光敏树脂黏结剂喷射增材制造ZrO₂工艺及后处理研究[J]. 热加工工艺, 2023, 52(1): 82-88.
ZHANG Y, YANG Y Q, WU S B, et al.Study on Photosensitive Resin Binder Jetting Additive Manufacturing Process of ZrO₂ and Post-Processing[J]. Hot Working Technology, 2023, 52(1): 82-88.
[20] 董丙舜, 王海阔, 仝斐斐, 等. 微米晶单斜氧化锆高压相变制备亚微米四方多晶氧化锆[J]. 高压物理学报, 2019, 33(2): 22-30.
DONG B S, WANG H K, TONG F F, et al.Fabrication of Submicron Tetragonal Polycrystalline ZrO₂ by the Transformation of Micro Monoclinic ZrO₂ under High Pressure[J]. Chinese Journal of High Pressure Physics, 2019, 33(2): 22-30.
[21] 李新梦, 江厚满, 张天宇. 915 nm激光辐照下45#钢在3.8 μm处反射率变化[J]. 激光与光电子学进展, 2017, 54(7): 217-222.
LI X M, JIANG H M, ZHANG T Y.Reflectivity Change of 45# Steel at 3.8 μm under 915 nm Laser Irradiation[J]. Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, 2017, 54(7): 217-222.
[22] 张永强, 王伟平, 唐小松, 等. 两种纤维增强复合材料与连续激光耦合规律[J]. 强激光与粒子束, 2007, 19(10): 1599-1602.
ZHANG Y Q, WANG W P, TANG X S, et al.Coupling Rules of Two Fiber Reinforced Composites with Continuous Wave Laser[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams, 2007, 19(10): 1599-1602.
[23] 刘树信, 王海滨. 氧化锆及掺杂氧化锆的研究进展[J]. 耐火材料, 2011, 45(3): 209-213.
LIU S X, WANG H B.Research Progress on Zirconia and Doped Zirconia[J]. Refractories, 2011, 45(3): 209-213.
[24] 徐亮, 梁永仁, 叶梦元. 基于激光闪射法测量3D打印铝合金的热物性参数[J]. 金属世界, 2025(4): 86-91.
XU L, LIANG Y R, YE M Y.Measurement of Thermal Properties of 3D Printed Aluminum Alloy Based on Laser Flash Method[J]. Metal World, 2025(4): 86-91.
[25] 程涛涛, 王志平, 戴士杰, 等. 航空发动机陶瓷基高温封严涂层研究进展[J]. 机械工程学报, 2021, 57(10): 126-136.
CHENG T T, WANG Z P, DAI S J, et al.Research Progress of Ceramic-Based High Temperature Sealing Coating for Aeroengines[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2021, 57(10): 126-136.