Effect of metal oxides on the densification and electrical conductivity of the GdSmZr2O7 ceramic

The effects of a single additive (SnO2, Ta2O5, or WO3) on the crystal structure, densification, and electrical conductivity of the GdSmZr2O7 ceramic have been examined. The GdSmZr2O7 ceramic with or without a single additive of 1 wt.% SnO2, Ta2O5, or WO3 sintered at temperatures between 1773 and 1973 K exhibits a single cubic pyrochlore-type phase. The relative densities of different compositions increase with increasing sintering temperature. The total conductivity of different samples obeys the Arrhenius relation. The total conductivity of the GdSmZr2O7 ceramic is not improved by the addition of 1 wt.% SnO2, Ta2O5, or WO3. A single additive, SnO2, Ta2O5, or WO3, is not an effective sintering aid for the GdSmZr2O7 ceramic.