Dilatometric studies on nano-crystalline ceria: Powder properties-sintering correlation

Nano-crystalline ceria was synthesized by different routes to give powders with different properties and morphologies. These powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area and light scattering studies. The linear shrinkage and the sintering behavior of all these powders were in situ studied by a dilatometer up to 1200 °C for hold period of 1 h. The sintered microstructures were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was observed that the powder morphologies are a function of the preparative method.