The formation of BaY0.1Zr0.9O2.95 by solid state reaction and its reactive sintering have been studied. The solid state reaction of a mixture of BaCO3, Y2O3 and ZrO2 was studied by differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction. The solid state formation of BaY0.1Zr0.9O2.95 is similar to that previously reported for BaZrO3. Samples of BaY0.1Zr0.9O2.95 were prepared by reactive sintering and the effect of additions of CuO liquid phase sintering aid studied. The densification of reactively-sintered BaY0.1Zr0.9O2.95 without CuO addition is very poor. Addition of 4 mol.% CuO causes a 20% increase in density of samples sintered at 1700 degrees C, as well as promoting grain growth.

Keywords: Barium zirconate; proton conductor; solid state reaction; reactive sintering