Fabrication of CdO-Bi2O3 ceramics

The phase formation in the CdO-rich part (less than or equal to10 wt % Bi2O3) of the CdO-Bi2O3 system was studied by x-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and other techniques. The results indicate that the Orindino of the starting powder mixtures in a planetary mill leads to an inhomogeneous Bi2O3 distribution and a high defect density in the CdO and Bi2O3 particles. Sintering in the range 910-990 K gives rise to the formation of the gamma(h) phase, whose content depends strongly on the mixture composition and sintering conditions. At sintering temperatures above its melting point, the gamma(h) phase acts as a binder of CdO grains.