Lattice thermal expansion studies of Th1−xNdxO2−x/2 solid solutions

The synthesis, characterization and lattice thermal expansion studies of the ThO2–Nd2O3 phase with general compositions Th1−xNdxO2−x/2 are reported. Based on XRD data the composition corresponding to solid solubility limit of NdO1.5 in ThO2 lattice under conditions of slow cooling from 1673 K was previously reported as Th0.50Nd0.50O1.75. The lattice thermal expansion (293–1473 K) behavior of the solid solutions has been investigated by high temperature XRD and found to show a gradual increase with increasing content of NdO1.5 in Th1−xNdxO2−x/2 series.