Investigation of Sm2O3 additive on mechanical and electrical properties of Li2O- stabilized -alumina electrolyte

Li2O- stabilized -alumina was synthesized by the double zeta process. The effect of Sm2O3 additive as the sintering aid, on microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties of Li2O- stabilized -alumina ceramics was studied by means of X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, biaxial flexure test and ionic conductivity measurement. The results indicated that both the fracture strength and the ionic conductivity of the sample containing 0.2 wt% Sm2O3 improved approximately 52% and 54%, respectively, that can be attributed to its higher density, higher amount of -Al2O3 phase and more uniform microstructure.