Mechanical and thermal expansion studies on Ca0.5Sr0.5Zr4-xTixP6O24 ceramics

Ca0.5Sr0.5Zr4-xTixP6O24 (x = 0−0.2) ceramics belonging to the NZP family were prepared and dense ceramics with no microcracks were obtained. All of the ceramic samples were still composed of the typical NZP structure with a small amount of Ti4+ substitution for Zr4+. The mechanical and thermal expansion properties of the ceramics were characterized and the result showed that the flexural strength monotonically increased to 66.5 MPa. The thermal expansion coefficient varied from 1.8 to 3.4 × 10−6/°C with Ti4+ content increasing. Thus, it was clear that the substitution of Ti4+ for Zr4+ had obvious effects on the sinterability, mechanical and thermal expansion properties of Ca0.5Sr0.5Zr4-xTixP6O24 ceramics, which were discussed in detail.