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Jet Engine Manufacturers Revisit 1970s Coatings as China Restricts Yttrium Supply

Oct 14, 2026

3 minute read.

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Highlights

  • China's yttrium export curbs threaten jet engine thermal barrier coatings that rely on yttria-stabilized zirconia (7YSZ)
  • Qualifying replacement magnesium- or calcium-based coatings could take up to five years, creating an immediate production vulnerability
  • Annual gas turbine demand totals roughly 1,360 tonnes of yttria-stabilized zirconia, making aerospace-grade refining capacity the real investment opportunity
  • Canada's National Research Council and Oerlikon Metco are exploring rare-earth-free coatings, but older materials were abandoned for sound technical reasons

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By Daniel

Inspired to launch Rare Earth Exchanges in part due to his lifelong passion for geology and mineralogy, and patriotism, to ensure America and free market economies develop their own rare earth and critical mineral supply chains.

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6,349 messages 106 likes
Pinned 1 week ago

China's yttrium export restrictions are forcing aerospace suppliers to weigh inferior coating alternatives against rebuilding Western high-purity (read full article...)

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