Structural evolution and thermophysical properties of (SmxGd1−x)2Zr2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) ceramics

Structural evolution and thermophysical properties of (SmxGd1−x)2Zr2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-temperature dilatometer and laser flash diffusivity measurements from room temperature to 1400 °C. Pure Gd2Zr2O7 ceramics exhibit a defective fluorite-type structure, however, (SmxGd1−x)2Zr2O7 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) ceramics are with a pyrochlore-type structure. The linear thermal expansion coefficients of (SmxGd1−x)2Zr2O7 ceramics increase with increasing test temperature. The thermal diffusivities of (SmxGd1−x)2Zr2O7 ceramics range from 0.390 to 0.770 mm2 s−1, while the thermal conductivities of (SmxGd1−x)2Zr2O7 ceramics are located within the range of 1.20 to 1.99 W m−1 K−1 from room temperature to 1400 °C.