Evaluation The Optimization of Thermal Barrier Coating Stripping Methods on Inconel 939 Gas Turbine Vanes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46799/ajesh.v5i6.791Keywords:
Striping, Grit Blasting, Thermal Barrier Coating, Chemical StripingAbstract
Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) are widely used in power plants and aircraft engines. TBCs are exposed to high temperatures and repeated changes in operating parameters, which determine their service life, or Equivalent Operating Hours (EOH). This study evaluates three stripping methods — HCl 6 & 12 mol, HCOOH 6 & 12 mol, and grit blasting — for removing a Yttria-Partially Stabilised Zirconia (YPSZ) top coat and MCrAlY bond coat from Inconel 939 vanes. Stripping rate, surface roughness, microstructure, and coating completeness were compared. Grit blasting had the highest stripping rate (605 ?m/hour) but left residual bond coat and an interdiffusion zone (IDZ) with poor homogeneity. HCOOH methods were ineffective, leaving thick residues and high surface roughness (7.2–7.8 Ra). HCl 12 mol removed all layers but caused carbide coarsening. HCl 6 mol achieved complete layer removal, a stripping rate of 22.8 ?m/hour, acceptable roughness (3.33 Ra), and no significant microstructural damage. In conclusion, chemical stripping using HCl 6 mol is the most optimal method for TBC removal from Inconel 939 vanes.
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Copyright (c) 2026 I Kadek Dwi Wirawan Sadia, Fahmi Mubarok
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