Parameter optimization for sintering of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-6 (LSCF6428) perovskite-structured ceramics by Taguchi method

Abstract

The influence of sintering temperature, sintering time and heating rate on the shrinkage rate, sintered density and porosity of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-6 (LSCF6428) perovskite-structured ceramics has been analyzed and the optimum sintering parameters have been determined by using Taguchi experimental design method. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that the most significant parameter is sintering temperature, while the sintering time and heating rate are the least significant parameters. The optimum sintering parameter combination within the experimental ranges was found to be 1400°C, 20 h and 10°C/min. The shrinkage rate of 15.97%, the sintered density of 6.06 g/cm3 and the porosity of 0.15% were obtained using these co-optimized sintering parameters. The SEM micrographs confirm that sintering temperature has pronounced effect on the densification and porosity reduction of LSCF6428 flat membranes.