Solid state synthesis of europium zirconate based material

In the article, the characterization of the microstructure, phase composition and distribution of elements in the Eu₂O₃-ZrO₂ sintered materials obtained by four different ways of powders' homogenization (mixing) process and different temperature of sintering process is shown. The feedstock powders with an average mole ratio of ZrO₂ to Eu₂O₃ equal 74% to 26% were used as an initial material. The principal aim of the investigation was characterization of differences in the microstructure of the same type of ceramics, however, prepared via different mixing and manufacturing processes. The range of the investigation covered a characterization of these materials via phase identification of all samples by XRD (X-ray diffraction) and characterization of internal morphology of the specimens with detailed analysis of elements distributions by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and EDS (energy dispersive spectrometry). The aim of the following investigation is to characterize the possibilities of the solid state synthesis of the europium zirconate based materials, dedicated for TBC applications.