Phase composition, microstructure and thermophysical properties of the Srx(Zr0.9Y0.05Yb0.05)O1.95+x ceramics

Abstract

Srx(Zr0.9Y0.05Yb0.05)O1.95+x (x=1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7) ceramics were prepared by solid state reaction sintering. The sintered Sr1.0(Zr0.9Y0.05Yb0.05)O2.95 is a single-phase solid solution while the sintered Srx(Zr0.9Y0.05Yb0.05)O1.95+x (x=0.9−0.7) are composites, and a significant grain growth inhibition is observed in the sintered Srx(Zr0.9Y0.05Yb0.05)O1.95+x (x=1.0, 0.9). Rare-earth elements distribution in the bulk materials indicates that Yb and Y preferentially substitute Zr-sites in SrZrO3, and the highest solubility of RE2O3 in pure SrZrO3 is ∼0.8 mol%. The sintered Srx(Zr0.9Y0.05Yb0.05)O1.95+x have high thermal expansion coefficients up to ∼11.0×10−6 K-1 (1200°C). Sr0.8(Zr0.9Y0.05Yb0.05)O2.75 has the lowest thermal conductivity of 1.38 W·m-1·K-1 at 800°C. Srx(Zr0.9Y0.05Yb0.05)O1.95+x (x=1.0, 0.9, 0.8) show no phase transition from 600 to 1400°C, whereas Srx(Zr0.9Y0.05Yb0.05)O1.95+x (x=0.9, 0.8) have excellent high-temperature phase stability over the whole investigated temperature range. Therefore, Srx(Zr0.9Y0.05Yb0.05)O1.95+x (x=1.0, 0.9, 0.8) are considered as promising TBCs materials that might be operated at higher temperatures compared to YSZ.