Sintering Characteristics of Rare-Earth Oxides

The sinterability of europium, samarium, gadolinium, and dysprosium pure oxides was investigated at various temperatures under both oxidizing and reducing conditions as well as hot pressing. Data are presented on the density, grain size, thermal expansion, resistance to water corrosion, and the microhardness of these oxides. Photomicrographs showing grain growth and microstructure are included. The results indicate that dysprosium oxide is the most stable of the four oxides investigated. It sinters with small grain size, is similar to alumina in coefficient of thermal expansion, and does not undergo a phase transformation.