Abstract
Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9·(CuO)x (CSCO, x=0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0%) powders were synthesized by a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) assisted combustion method and labeled as CSO, CSCO-0.5, CSCO-1, CSCO-2 and CSCO-5, respectively. The corresponding pellet-shaped samples were sintered at 900–1400°C and then characterized in sinterability, mechanical and electrical properties. Addition of CuO lowers the densification sintering temperature, and enhances mechanical strength which is attributed to a fracture transformation from intergranular to transgranular, as well as enhanced density. Compared with the CSO sintered at 1400°C, a same densification degree is achieved for the CSCO-1 sintered only at 900°C, and a significant increase in biaxial flexural strength is obtained from 191±13MPa to 253±19Mpa. This slight modification in chemical composition also results in a decrease in activation energy and thus an improvement in total electrical conductivity.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
