Effects of alumina additions on sintering behavior of Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 ceramics synthesized by Pechini method

The effects of alumina additions on the densification behavior and grain growth of Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 ceramics were investigated by the use of powders synthesized by Pechini method. Both the sintered density and grain size were found to increase rapidly up to 1 mol% Al2O3, and then to decrease with further additions. A pinning effect on grain growth was found at a higher Al2O3 content above 2 mol%. In the dopant content range of 0–5 mol%, 1 mol% Al2O3 was the optimum doping level in promoting densification and grain growth of Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 ceramics.