Active thermography technique for barrier coatings characterization

Aim of this paper is to define and set up an experimental procedure, based on active thermography, for the characterization of thermal barrier coatings for industrial applications, above all in aerospace field. The developed procedure is intended to be a fast and reliable method, alternative to the consolidated one described in International Standards as ISO18755 and ISO18555. In particular, this approach consists of a pulsed active thermography, in transmission configuration, obtained by means of a laser excitation. Temperature data processing, according to and adapting Standard procedures, allowed us to determine thermal parameters as conductivity and diffusivity. Obtained results were compared in terms of thermal properties variation with respect to base and coated materials, and in term of different coating procedures. These results were also compared to those available in literature.