Phase composition and properties of solid solutions of GdFeO3–GdInO3 bulks

Solid solutions of the GdFeO3–GdInO3 system were prepared at 1550 °C by ceramic powder processing. The formulated composition was Gd(Fe1−xInx)O3 (GFI) with the indium contents at x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0. A stable phase of Gd(Fe1/3In2/3)O3 in our system was identified by X-ray diffraction and phase composition analysis. Multi-phase morphologies were observed for GFI bulks with x = 0.5 and 0.75. Dielectric and electrical properties of the GFI bulks were investigated. The addition of 25% In3+ in GdFeO3 had an obvious enhancement in polarization and led to an elevated resonance frequency. Dielectric properties of GFI bulks except GdInO3 were strongly dependent upon the test frequency, which corresponded to the response of polarization mechanism. GdInO3 displayed as a stable dielectric, which was frequency- and temperature-insensitive. GdInO3 was thermally activated and became leaky until above 600 °C.