Evaluation of the sintering regime on the mechanical and physical properties of the NiO - YSZ anode support tubes

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are currently receiving significant attention by researchers. Life time and mechanical failures in SOFC still remain key problems along with the high manufacturing costs. Micro-tubular SOFCs (MT-SOFCs) are one possibility to overcome these problems, especially anode supported type. The mechanical properties of the cells highly depend on the sintering regime and the porosity of the support component. In this research, anode support tubes were produced using thermoplastic extrusion method and the effects of sintering regime on geometry, mechanical characteristics, density and pore structure of the tubes, were evaluated. Green tubes 2.80-2.85 mm in diameter and 0.7 mm thick were produced. The samples were sintered at different temperatures with different dwelling times. 3-point bending & hardness tests were performed to determine the mechanical behavior of the tubes. The shrinkage rate and density of the samples were also examined. The pore structure and micro structure of the support tubes were examined and their dependence on the sintering regime were evaluated.