Thermal studies on precursors and gel- combustion synthesis for the preparation of thoria yttria (YDT) solid solution

Thermal decomposition of yttrium acetate, thorium nitrate and citric acid used as precursors for the synthesis of Yd was studied. Solid solution of ThO2 (92.5 mold) and Y2O3 (7.5 mold) was synthesized using combustion synthesis. The progress of combustion synthesis was monitored using thermogravimetry. Yd powder was characterized for bulk density, surface area, size distribution of the particles and crystallite size. Compaction and sintering parameters were optimized to get high-density pellet with good microhomogenity. The residue obtained after the combustion reaction was found to be a solid solution of yttria and thoria. High density (>96% of TD) pellets of YDT were prepared after optimizing compaction and sintering parameters. Electrolytic conducting behavior was studied using electromotive force (EMF) method. (author)