Synthesis and characterization of thermal properties of type EU2O3-ZrO2 sinters

Abstract

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.