The influence of particle size on sintering and conductivity of Bi0.85Pr0.105V0.045O1.545 ceramics

Physical characteristics of sintered pellets (relative density, microstructure, electrical conductivity level) of the fluorite-type mixed oxide, Bi0.85Pr0.105V0.045O1.545, have been investigated and correlated with the granularity of the powder. Particle size optimization, observed by laser granulometry and SEM of powder prepared by conventional syntheses, has been achieved by attrition treatment, which decreases the particle size and increases the final relative density from 84 to 98% at 900 degreesC. Conductivity increases by a factor of 2 in the temperature range 300-800 degreesC. (C) 2000 Academic Press.