Synthesis and Characterization of Thermal Properties of Type Eu2O3-ZrO2 Sinters

• Main Authors: Jucha S., Moskal G., Mikuśkiewicz M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Polish Academy of Sciences 2016-06-01
• Series: Archives of Metallurgy and Materials
• Subjects: pyrochlores; europium zirconates; thermal diffusivity; TBC
• Online Access: http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/amm.2016.61.issue-2/amm-2016-0188/amm-2016-0188.xml?format=INT

The oxides with pyrochlore or defected fluorite structure are a potential alternative ceramic materials for now widely used yttria-stabilized zirconia 8YSZ in the application for the insulation layer of thermal barrier coatings systems. This paper presents a procedure of synthesis of europium zirconate of Eu2Zr2O7 type, by the method of high temperature sintering under pressure. The analysis of the effect of the powders` homogenization methods on homogeneity of final sintered material showed that the highest homogeneity can be obtained after mechanical mixing in alcohol. Moreover, the DSC investigation carried out on a mixture of powders before the sintering process and on the material after high temperature sintering under pressure, suggest the synthesis of a new phase an europium zirconate Eu2Zr2O7 with the pyrochlore structure. Obtained phase was characterized by stability over the entire range of tested temperature, i.e. to 1450°C. The resulting material based on europium zirconate has a lower coefficient of thermal diffusivity than the now widely used 8YSZ.