Sintering and mechanical properties of gadolinium-doped ceria ceramics

Abstract

Gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) ceramics were made by sintering at various temperatures from 1000°C to 1400°C in air. The true density and apparent density were measured to calculate the relative density of GDC ceramics. The change in relative density revealed that densification of GDC ceramics increased up to 1200°C, and thereafter turned downward. It was suggested that pores were formed at 1300°C and 1400°C due to non-stoichiometry of ceria. JIS-type specimens were cut from the sintered body and tested by 4-point bending. Young's modulus and bending strength decreased with increasing the sintering temperature from 1200°C to 1400°C, corresponding to the change in the relative density.