Abstract: A component coated with a thermal barrier coating (TBC), wherein the TBC includes an outer surface layer and at least one underlying layer, wherein the outer surface layer has a thickness of not more than 50% of a thickness of the TBC, has a lower average porosity than the at least one underlying layer and includes an additional phase therewithin.

Abstract: A multi-functional material composition comprising a zirconia host and containing a luminescent lanthanide oxide additive, in particular dysprosia (Dy2O3), wherein the lanthanide oxide additive is effective both in stabilizing the zirconia and providing for luminescent temperature sensing, and a method of determining a remaining useful life-time for the luminescent material composition from the proportion of a monoclinic phase (m) in the material composition.

Abstract: A measurement system for and method of measuring thicknesses of coatings as applied to objects and a coating system and method for. coating objects, in particular three-dimensional objects, with coatings, in particular thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), and a monitoring system for and method of monitoring a state of a thermal barrier coating (TBC) as applied to an object which is exposed to a high-temperature environment, and a TBC for use with the same.

Abstract: Luminescent material compositions, in particular for use in high-temperature environments, and structures, such as thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), which incorporate the same.

Abstract: A system for and method of determining thermal history of components which are subjected to high-temperature environments, such as in boilers, fuel cells, furnaces, engines and gas turbines, and temperature-monitoring materials and coatings for use in such a system and method.

Abstract: A wear-sensing structure comprising a metallic object having a wear-sensing layer at a surface which is subject to wear, wherein the wear-sensing layer comprises a host metallic matrix having a luminescent ceramic phase dispersed therewithin, the ceramic phase comprising a ceramic host containing a luminescent material which luminesces when illuminated with an illuminating radiation, with wear of the object being determined by reference to luminescence from the luminescent material.

Abstract: A multi-functional material composition comprising a zirconia host and containing a luminescent lanthanide oxide additive, in particular dysprosia (Dy2O3), wherein the lanthanide oxide additive is effective both in stabilizing the zirconia and providing for luminescent temperature sensing, and a method of determining a remaining useful life-time for the luminescent material composition from the proportion of a monoclinic phase (m) in the material composition.

Abstract: A component coated with a thermal barrier coating (TBC), wherein the TBC includes an outer surface layer and at least one underlying layer, wherein the outer surface layer has a thickness of not more than 50% of a thickness of the TBC, has a lower average porosity than the at least one underlying layer and includes an additional phase therewithin.

Abstract: A system for and method of determining thermal history of components which are subjected to high-temperature environments, such as in boilers, fuel cells, furnaces, engines and gas turbines, and temperature-monitoring materials and coatings for use in such a system and method.

Abstract: Luminescent material compositions, in particular for use in high-temperature environments, and structures, such as thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), which incorporate the same.

Abstract: A measurement system for and method of measuring thicknesses of coatings as applied to objects and a coating system and method for coating objects, in particular three-dimensional objects, with coatings, in particular thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), and a monitoring system for and method of monitoring a state of a thermal barrier coating (TBC) as applied to an object which is exposed to a high-temperature environment, and a TBC for use with the same.

Abstract: A device for measuring a crack in a workpiece or sample (3) comprises a resistive layer (1) arranged to be fixed to the workpiece so that the layer is fractured by the propagation of cracks in the workpiece or sample (3) to change the impedance of the layer (1). Two elongate electrodes (2) are provided on the resistive layer (1) and arranged to pass a current through it, and, measuring means are provided for measuring the impedance of the resistive layer (1), and for thereby determining the size of cracks in the workpiece or sample (3). Preferably another resistive layer (6), is provided adjacent the resistive layer (1), which is arranged not to be fractured by the propagation of cracks in the workpiece or sample (3). This enables environmental effects to be compensated for.