Effect of Fe2O3 on properties and densification of Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ by PCAS

Dense Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ was sintered by pulsed current activated sintering (PCAS) within 6 min from Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ nanopowder prepared by co-precipitation method. Sintering was accomplished under the combined effects of a pulsed current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ with relative density of up to 96.3% was produced under simultaneous application of an 80-MPa pressure and the pulsed current. The effects of Fe2O3 additions on the sintering behavior, ionic conductivities, and mechanical properties of the Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ were investigated.