Ceramic Properties of Samarium Oxide and Gadolinium Oxide; X-Ray Studies of Other Rare-Earth Oxides and Some Compounds

Samarium oxide forms a ceramic of medium strength and density (6.0) when it is fired at 1300°C. When it is fired at 1500°C., its density is increased to 7.4 but it loses its stability toward boiling water. X-ray data are given concerning the structure of the oxide as received and at 1300°C. and of the reaction product of Sm203 with water. Gadolinium oxide forms a ceramic of somewhat higher density (7.0) at 1300° than does Sm₂O₃; at 1500°C. its density is slightly higher (7.6) whereas its stability toward water is unchanged. Data concerning both oxides include density, shrinkage, moduli of elasticity and of rupture, linear thermal expansion, differential thermal analysis, and specific heat as well as X-ray data. Results are given of a brief survey of the reaction products obtained when Sm₂O₃ and Gd₂O₃ are heated at 1500°C. in equimolecular quantities with Al₂O₃, BaO, CaO, CdO, Fe₂O₃, HfO₂, MgO, SO₂, SrO, ThO₂, and ZrO₂. X-ray data for the following rare-earth oxides as received and after calcination at 1400°C. are given: ceria, praseodymia, neodymia, europia, dysprosia, holmia, erbia, thulia, and ytterbia.